The post-Brexit business landscape may look uncertain for many businesses in Ireland, but one local group is certainly doing all it can to continue its growth. Employers of 90 people at its state-of-the-art sawmill in Ballygar, Murray Timber Group processes over 600,000 cubic metres of timber each year for use in the construction industry both here and the UK. It also supplies timber for products such as garden decking, pallet and packaging, timber fencing, and pressure-treated timber, providing work for a further 90 people through contractors in haulage, forestry harvesting and planting.
Recently, the group invited a delegation of local politicians to a tour and briefing at the Ballygar plant. Attending were Deputies Michael Fitzmaurice, Eugene Murphy and Denis Naughten, and Senator Maura Hopkins.
€16 million has been invested in the plant over the last five years and a further €4 million is expected to be invested this year. And for good reason too, because, according to recent figures, it is estimated that forestry owners, timber contractors and hauliers will earn €227 million in Roscommon by 2035.
These figures could hardly have been imagined in 1977 when Paddy Murray founded the company. Paddy is still at the helm alongside his sons John, Patrick, and Dennis and Joe who work at the group’s site in Carlow. Paddy had learned the trade from his father, who had originally cut timber in the area using horses and a steam engine.
Murray Timber Group is a member of the Forest Industries Ireland (FII) is a new business sector within IBEC and the new trade association for the forestry industry.
The industry is forecasting major growth in the coming years as the supply of raw material from Irish forests is set to double.
According to Coillte’s head of external affairs, Ciaran Fallon, forests currently cover 11% of Ireland’s land area. There was just 0.6% coverage when the state was founded and the aim is to reach 18%.
While this is all very positive, it must be noted that much of Murray Timber’s business is in the sterling zone (approximately 60%) and that the threat of upheaval from Brexit looms large.
However, John Murray of Murray Timber Group appreciates the support from the FII and says it is placing timber and forestry at the heart of Ireland’s rural economy.
“The industry is enjoying a period of major capital investment, market buoyancy and substantial growth in wood supply. These three elements will underpin growth for the industry that will see it double in size in the next two decades.
“We are committed to engendering the highest standards in the industry. Competitiveness, climate action, and sustainability go hand in hand and underpin long-term growth and prosperity across this dynamic industry. We are proud to be delivering quality jobs especially to our rural communities, and making a major contribution to the Irish economy, our society and the environment. As well as driving economic activity and employment, our forests absorb 3.6 million tonnes of C02 per year, the equivalent of annual CO2 emissions 80% of the cars on Irish roads.
“Forests and wood products are a vital tool in our efforts to combat climate change. We have a natural advantage as we can grow trees twice as fast as some competitors,” he said.
Mr. Murray called on the Government to support the sector by providing further investment in the National Forestry Programme.
Mark McAuley, Director of Forest Industries Ireland, was optimistic as he forecast further growth during last Tuesday’s site visit.
“Our forests are delivering more and more timber to our sawmills and the construction products they make have a strong and growing market in the UK and Ireland. The industry will continue to grow and provide more jobs in rural areas”.
