The total value of roundwood removals stood at €214 million in 2023, according to the latest forestry data from the Central Statistics Office (CSO).
This marks a 16% decrease on the value of €253 million recorded in 2022 and a 6% decrease from €227 million in 2021.
The CSO said that there were 4.25 million cubic metres of roundwood removals in 2023, up 1.5% from 4.19 million cubic metres in 2022, but down 2% on the 4.33 million cubic metres in 2021.
The data shows that removals from privately-owned forests were 1.8 million cubic metres in 2023.
Commenting on the latest data, Niamh Shanahan, statistician in the environment division of the CSO, said:
“Removals from privately-owned forests decreased by 1% compared with 2022, while removals from publicly-owned forests increased by 3% (2.4 million cubic metres).
“Coniferous roundwood accounted for 99% of removals in 2023.
“Removals from publicly-owned forests made up 58% of the 2023 roundwood removals volume (2.4 million cubic metres) with the remainder coming from privately-owned forests.”
Shanahan said that “large sawlog accounted for the highest proportion of roundwood removals volume at 38% in 2023, followed by pulpwood (27%), and small sawlog (25%)” .
“In 2022, large sawlog contributed to 38% of roundwood removals with pulpwood at 27% and small sawlog at 26%. These three products contributed to around 90% of annual roundwood removals volume,” she added.
Forestry
Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) issued has issued a total of 718 licences for felling on private plantations and 686 permits for felling on Coillte sites so far this year.
Last week, 34 licences were issued for Coillte felling and 16 were issued for private felling.
There were 14 licences issued last week for forestry roads, bringing the overall total to 628 licences issued by September 6 covering 238km of roads.
The department said that 50km of forestry roads have been constructed this year.