Coillte, the semi-state forestry company, has today (Thursday, April 21) announced a new forestry strategic vision which includes the creation of 100,000ha of new forests by 2050.

The aim of the strategy is to deliver multiple benefits from forests and bring more focus to climate action, setting ambitious new targets on biodiversity and recreation, while continuing to deliver for the forest and wood products industry.

The new approach aims to sustainably balance and deliver the multiple benefits from Ireland’s state forests across four strategic pillars: Climate; wood; nature; and people.

Coillte said that it intends to consult widely with key stakeholders on its new strategic vision.

Coillte strategy

Among the actions that Coillte proposes to deliver as part of this new forestry strategic vision are:

For climate

  • Enable creation of 100,000ha of new forests by 2050 and create a carbon sink of 18 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2);
  • Manage its existing forest estate to capture an additional 10 million tonnes of CO2 in its forests, soils and wood products by 2050;
  • Redesign 30,000ha of peatland forests by 2050 through a programme of rewetting or rewilding for climate and ecological benefits;
  • Produce sustainable wood products that in 2050 displace 2.7 million tonnes of CO2/year from fossil-based products such as concrete, steel and plastic;
  • Enable the generation of an additional one gigawatt of renewable wind energy by 2030, enough to power half a million homes in Ireland, via its joint venture company FuturEnergy Ireland.

For wood

  • Produce sustainable supply of 25 million cubic metres of Irish-certified timber that can help Ireland achieve its housing ambition of 300,000 new homes by 2030;
  • Promote the use and benefits of wood products to help increase the level of timber homes from 20% to 80% by 2050;
  • Develop innovative wood products to meet the growing demand for sustainable materials to support the bioeconomy.

For nature

  • Enhance and restore the existing biodiversity on the estate (90,000ha) to improve its ecological value;
  • Increase the area of its forest estate to be managed primarily for nature from 20% to 30% (an additional 44,000ha) by 2025;
  • Transform and redesign an additional 70,000ha of existing forests, to create new semi-natural woodlands, providing valuable habitats, targeting that 50% of Coillte’s estate is managed primarily for nature in the long-term.

For people

  • Support the creation of 1,200 direct and indirect new jobs in rural communities to enable the just transition to a low carbon economy in Ireland;
  • Enable the investment of €100 million to create world-class visitor destinations by 2030 to support the growth in tourism and recreation in Ireland;
  • Double the number of recreation areas to 500 nationally, enhancing local communities and contributing to people’s well-being.
Launching the Coillte initiative are Frida Maguire and Rian Ledwidge. Image: Fennell Photography

Forestry in Ireland

Coillte is responsible for the management of 440,000ha of Ireland’s forests, which represents 7% of the country.

Since its establishment in 1989, it has stated that it has enabled the development of a vibrant forestry and wood products sector that supports rural employment throughout Ireland.

Coillte said it believes that the growing climate and biodiversity crises, as well as societal demands for housing, jobs and well-being, are driving a need for greater change.

A survey conducted for Coillte in 2021, shows that the company’s view on the need for change is supported by public opinion, with 84% of respondents believing that Coillte has a role to play in meeting Ireland’s climate action commitments.

82% said biodiversity is important for Ireland’s future while 82% also believe forestry is an important sector in the Irish economy. 86% agreed that wood producing forests are important.

Over the coming weeks Coillte will engage with key stakeholders and the public, to seek their views on its forestry strategic vision, to ensure it is aligned with the needs of Irish society.

This consultation process will further inform the development of Coillte’s detailed strategic plans over the coming months.

Chairperson of Coillte, Bernie Gray said: “Over the last few years, we have been exploring ways in which Coillte can play an increasing role in Ireland’s climate action and biodiversity agenda, while recognising that financial sustainability is integral to Coillte achieving its purpose, so that the multiple benefits from our forests and land for the people of Ireland can be delivered.

“I’m delighted that Coillte’s new strategic vision emphasises climate action, biodiversity and aims to increase development of wonderful recreation spaces for people to enjoy, while continuing to deliver sustainable wood products to support building new homes.”

Chief executive, Coillte, Imelda Hurley, said: “In the face of the climate emergency, there is an urgent need for Ireland to meet stretching climate action targets and we recognise the critical role which Coillte can play in the achievement of these targets.

“We are delighted to communicate our new forestry strategic vision for Coillte, one which is rooted in science and is focused on optimising the multiple benefits from forestry across the entire estate.

“We have developed a comprehensive strategic vision that, among other things, would see us growing new forests, managing our existing forests for greater carbon capture, delivering valuable wood products, enhancing biodiversity, and creating more incredible recreational spaces for the enjoyment of our citizens and tourists.”