Forests being prepared for privatisation, says Sinn Féin’s Martin Ferris TD

Martin Ferris

A REQUEST for tenders to provide an evaluation of the lands under its control proves that Coillte is preparing itself to be privatised, Sinn Féin TD Martin Ferris says.

The company issued a request for a tender for the ‘Evaluation of the Public Goods Value on the Coillte Forest Estate’ on January 31st.  The request was placed on the website for public tenders. Coillte is seeking economists to provide an evaluation of the 445,000 hectares of forestry under its control.

Deputy Ferris says:

The fact that the lands under Coillte control have attracted the interest of possible private buyers has already been highlighted by Sinn Féin, the Woodland League and others. Finance Minister Lenihan has already told me in Dáil replies that large scale privatisation is one of the areas being examined as part of the IMF programme.

We also know that prospective investors in state companies have met with Government officials ahead of the imminent publication of the 'Bord Snip' McCarthy Report on state assets. The fact that Coillte has placed this tender to place a value on the lands under it’s control proves that privatisation is already a live option.

Sinn Féin will strenuously oppose any such move by whoever is in power after the election.

THE Woodland League has launched a petition. Please give it your support.

Save Ireland’s Forests

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/2/help-save-irelands-forests