Government decision on Coillte is a victory for common sense – Harris

Wicklow Fine Gael TD, Simon Harris has said that the Government decision not to proceed with the sale of Coillte harvesting rights is “a victory for common sense”.

“I have met with many residents across County Wicklow who had expressed concern about any proposed sale of any part of Coillte for a variety of compelling reasons. I had undertaken to reflect these views to the Minister for Agriculture and to convey my view that the sale of such harvesting rights did not make economic sense and would raise serious concerns about a range of issues including access to public lands, compliance with European environmental directives and so on,” said Deputy Harris.

“I am very pleased that the Government has now fully considered the matter and has made a decision not to sell these harvesting rights. A comprehensive review of this issue has been carried out and concluded and the matter is now dealt with. This is particularly good news for County Wicklow which is heavily forested,” concluded Deputy Harris.