North East Forestry Group joins with eight other forest owner groups to form the Irish Forest Owners

The North East Forestry Group has joined with eight other forest owner groups to form a national body, called the Irish Forest Owners.

The Westmeath Farm Forestry Group and the Irish Wood Producers are also involved with the national body.

Wexford's Nicholas Sweetman is Chair of the IFO, and he says the group will ensure that the voices of forest owners are heard when planning for the future of Ireland's forests.

Some of the immediate key issues for the IFO is resolving what it labels the forest licensing crisis, as well as developing a clear plan for the implementation of a "meaningful Ash dieback support plan".