Economic aspects of forestry in Northern Ireland

Abstract

It was stated in 1960 that forestry policy in Northern Ireland is governed by three major factors: “Firstly, there is the compelling need, which two world wars have so painfully demonstrated, to reverse the centuries-old process of deforestation and create homegrown timber resources equal at least to emergency requirements. Secondly, there is the need, no less compelling, to provide productive work in areas of serious unemployment, the existence of which not only impoverishes the areas themselves but, by causing a drift to the towns and overseas, accentuates the social problems of the whole country. Afforestation projects in these areas (which are predominantly marginal land) offer an ideal solution by providing a source not only of immediate employment but of future national wealth. Thirdly, though private planting can contribute usefully to the solution of both these problems, under present economic conditions any such contribution can inevitably do no more than touch their fringe and the principal share of direct action must therefore be taken by the state”. These considerations have resulted in a programme of expansion which is designed to create “by the earliest possible date” a productive state forestry area of 150,000 acres.