Forest Industries Ireland Launched to Champion the Sustainable Growth of Irish Forestry Sector
Forest Industries Ireland Launched to Strengthen the Forestry Supply Chain
Forest Industries Ireland (FII) has officially launched, uniting 22 companies from across the entire forestry supply chain.
Operating as a new business sector within IBEC, the association aims to strengthen Ireland’s growing and sustainable timber industry.
Balcas CEO Brian Murphy Appointed as Inaugural Chair
Brian Murphy, CEO of Balcas, chairs the newly formed group. FII members currently represent a combined turnover of €800 million annually.
The industry forecasts growth to €1.6 billion by 2035, as Ireland’s forestry sector reaches full maturity.
Ireland’s Forest Sector Is Maturing Rapidly
Mark McCauley, Director of FII, highlighted the opportunity now emerging for forest owners nationwide.
“There are over 21,000 private forest owners across Ireland,” he said. “Many trees planted 40 years ago are now mature.”
This increase in timber supply requires greater coordination across the forestry supply chain to maximise efficiency and value.
Balcas Leads the Way in Sustainable Timber Processing
Balcas, a key player in the sector, processes over one million tonnes of logs annually from Ireland and Scotland.
Brian Murphy, the inaugural FII Chairman, described the industry as hugely sustainable and rooted in natural resources.
“Our core ingredients are sun, carbon dioxide, rain, land, and rural employment,” he said.
He added that forests are now managed as crops, designed to optimise both economic and environmental returns for landowners.
FII to Drive Industry Growth and Collaboration
Forest Industries Ireland will focus on several key priorities to support the sector’s long-term success:
- Driving industry growth and investment
- Improving policy and regulation with Government support
- Increasing industry visibility and national profile
- Encouraging cooperation across joint forestry initiatives
- Helping the sector respond to Brexit-related challenges
A Stronger, Greener Future for Irish Forestry
As Ireland’s forestry sector evolves, FII will act as a central voice, promoting the economic and environmental value of sustainable forestry.
The launch marks a major step forward for Ireland’s forest industries and the broader bioeconomy.
Photo Caption: Mark McAuley, Director (left) and Brian Murphy, inaugural Chairman of Forest Industries Ireland, pictured at the launch of FII
