Sir, - The Competition Authority has concluded that Coillte's attempt to purchase Balcas, the large saw-milling company, is "likely to restrict competition and to operate against the common good". One must assume that the responsible minister, Ms Harney, will now refuse to sanction the deal.
However, there is another area of commercial activity which Coillte wants to develop and which would also certainly operate against the common good and the long-term interests of forestry in Ireland. The agency is currently seeking to develop commercial dump sites on its own forest lands regardless of the environmental values of those lands.
A case in point is its role in the proposed development of a megadump at 1,300 feet on Slieve Felim. The proposed site, owned by Coillte, is in one of the most beautiful mountain landscapes in Ireland. It has no history of industrial activity and is surrounded by five national heritage areas. But more importantly it is a major watershed, rivers and streams of which feed into the Mulcair River, an important salmon fishery.
In the strategy document for the Forestry sector it is estimated that up to £20 million annually can be generated by commercial activities related to amenity and recreation in state forests. The Slieve Felim area has such potential and it is that which should guide Coillte's actions and not the possibility of short-term cash flow from the construction of megadump facilities. No guarantee can be given that a megadump on Slieve Felim, with a proposed lifespan of 40 years, will not contaminate the water resources of the mountain and its lower slopes.
Coillte continues to solicit business of this kind and it is now imperative that the Forest Service, which is responsible for forestry policy and the regulation of the sector in Ireland, bring Coillte into line with best forestry practice as it prevails in the European Union and elsewhere in the developed world. - Yours, etc.,
David Thompson
PRO, Slieve Felim Action Committee, Castlegarde, Cappamore, Co Limerick.