Press release
Broadcaster Helen Carroll to chair Deliberative Dialogue on Forestry
From Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Published on
Last updated on
Senator Pippa Hackett, Minister of State for Land Use and Biodiversity in the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, has announced that broadcaster Helen Carroll will chair the Deliberative Dialogue on Forestry which takes place next week.
The 2-day event is part of the work of Project Woodland to shape a new shared vision and develop a new strategy for trees and forests in Ireland. Using a similar model to the citizens’ assembly, the Deliberative Dialogue on Forestry takes place on 10 and 14 May.
Minister Hackett said:
“I am delighted that Helen Carroll will chair the Deliberative Dialogue on Forestry next month. I know she will bring great experience and energy to the role, and I’m sure she will help to lead a wide-ranging and fruitful discussion on forestry.
“We are working on a new strategy for how we plant and manage trees for a generation to come. We want to make sure we establish forests in the right place and for the right reasons so that we maximise the benefits trees bring to our climate, biodiversity, and water quality, as well as our citizens and our economy.
“This event offers a unique opportunity to gain insights from and generate discussion among our citizens on the best way forward for forestry. I look forward to seeing the results of the Deliberative Dialogue.”
The process will discuss and engage with 99 citizens over 2 days and will provide opportunities to learn about forestry and to tease out participants’ views on forests and forestry. The aim of the event is to generate deliberative engagement on forestry with particular focus on how forests affect our climate, biodiversity, water quality, economy, and wider society.
Helen Carroll said:
“I am looking forward to taking part in the Deliberative Dialogue on Forestry. Many will be familiar with various citizens’ assembly events that have been held in the past; this will be similar in many ways.
“As Chair of the Deliberative Dialogue, I hope to chair a fact based and insightful discussion on what the future holds for forestry.”
Project Woodland was established in February 2021 to ensure that the current forestry licensing backlog is addressed and that a new impetus is brought to forest establishment in Ireland. This Project involves a review and refresh of processes and procedures and includes outside stakeholder participation to bring an independent perspective. It is a task-driven process, with clear deliverables and milestones.
The development of a new Forest Strategy is a key commitment for Project Woodland and is due to be published in 2022. The wide range of stakeholder and public engagements will shape the strategy and deliver a shared vision for forestry.