1000s Gather to Prevent Privatisation of Ireland's Forests

national | miscellaneous | news report Monday June 10, 2013 12:20 by JackieP

National Walk in the Woods Day

On Sunday June 9th 1000s of people throughout Ireland gathered as part of the Woodland League's National Walk in the Woods Day, which was aimed at stopping the planned privatisation of Ireland's forests. Over 30 different walks took place as the government considers the controversial proposal. ( See list of walk locations http://www.saveourforestsireland.com )

According to one of the organisers of the Dartrey Forest walk on the Cavan/Monaghan border, campaigner Ruairí McKiernan, the proposal if it goes ahead will leave Ireland as the only country in the developed world without publicly owned forests.

"Selling the forests doesn't make sense. It would hand over control of 7% of Ireland's land, the size of two counties, to private companies and it would threaten jobs, flora, fauna, biodiversity and public access. Previous generations paid taxes and worked hard to protect and develop our forests and it would be criminal to hand them over to wealthy private investors and leave Ireland without publicly owned forests. It is time for a new state forest policy, one that focuses on public ownership and access, increased plantations of native species, and gives priority to biodiversity and sustainability. We are urging the people of Ireland to contact their TDs and call for urgent action on this issue."

Potential forestry investors include Swiss finance company Helvetia Wealth, owner of the International Forestry Fund, which is chaired by Bertie Ahern. It has been estimated that the sale of the forests would only generate enough funds to pay off 3 weeks banking debt. Groups like the the Woodland League and the Impact trade union are proposing alternative ways to develop public and protect native woodlands.

Just weeks before the last election Fine Gael and Labour claimed to be opposed to the privatisation. http://www.farmersjournal.ie/site/farming-Labour-and-Fi....html

The Woodland League petition to stop the sale of Ireland's forests has been signed by almost 50,000 people. The cabinet is expected to make a decision in the coming days. More info www.woodlandleague.org (The Dartrey walk was attended by Fine Gael TDs Joe O'Reilly and Heather Humphries. Heather Humphries signed the Woodland League petition and Joe O'Reilly said he would consider it).

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RELEVANT LINKS

Sweden had to reverse privatisation http://www.irishtimes.com/news/environment/sweden-had-t...96636

2 minute Al Jazeera news report on forest sell-off:
Watch this: http://youtu.be/5g76uHk5O8E

Swiss TV report (3 mins)
http://youtu.be/iSJZu6PdJzs

Please contact your local TD
http://www.whoismytd.com/search?q=Cootehill,%20Ireland

Woodland League petition
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/2/help-save-irelands-for...ests/

Please contact your local TD
http://www.whoismytd.com/search?q=Cootehill,%20Ireland

The Woodland League (lots of info)
http://www.woodlandleague.org/

Sale of Irish forests ‘cannot be justified’ on economic grounds