MINISTER KILLEEN LAUNCHES RDS-FOREST SERVICE IRISH FORESTRY AWARDS 2009

Posted on 15/06/09 by Tony Killeen Mr. Tony Killeen TD, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food with responsibility for forestry, today officially launched the RDS-Forest Service Irish Forestry Awards for 2009 at the home of Mr. Joe Barry in Co. Kildare. The launch was held on Mr. Barry's farm as he was the winner of the 2008 RDS-Forest Service Bio-Diverse Forests/Woodlands Award.

The Awards competition is run each year by the RDS with funding from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the competition is intended to promote standards of excellence in the production of native forests and trees.

The RDS-Forest Service Irish Forestry Awards 2009 consist of two categories - Farm Forestry and Bio-Diverse Forestry/Woodlands. Minister of State Killeen encouraged plantation owners to enter their plantations in the appropriate category "as not only do these Awards reward excellent work but also serve to highlight forestry as an enterprise".

Speaking on forestry generally, Minister of State Killeen commented that "Forestry continues to be an enterprise that all landowners should look at closely. There is still great scope for farmers to integrate some forestry with their other farming activities. Forestry will make a significant contribution to a farmer's income and deliver benefits that will accrue in the long-term both to themselves and the wider community".

Further details on the RDS-Forest Service Forestry Awards may be obtained from the RDS.