An independent senator has called for strong engagement in the second tranche of the open call for proposals for forestry skills training.

The call for proposals for training projects aims to expand the knowledge and capacity of various groups in the forestry sector.

Targeted groups include forestry students in higher level education, registered foresters and forestry contractors.

Senator Victor Boyhan, who is a member of the Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture and Food, said that "forestry is now in good hands".

"We need to pull back on over interference in the sector and the get the appropriate licences and grants in place for planting and harvesting to proceed apace.

“Minister Michael Healy-Rae who has responsibility forestry, farm safety and horticulture is excited by the possibilities and potential out there to maximise the full potential of our forestry sector, he has fierce ambition for the sector which is great," the senator said.

“The current Open Call seeks to identify additional supports, technical requirements and safety needs for the sector, so that the forestry industry continues to operate in a safe, productive and profitable manner, so feedback and engagement in the open call is important," Boyhan added.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), the call has two modules that will target a different group within the forestry sector.

Module 1 will be aimed at training students registered on full-time forestry programmes at QQI Level 5 and above.

Module 2 is for proposals aimed at training forestry professionals and others working, or considering working, within the forestry sector.

It is expected that three proposals per module, for a total of six projects at a maximum of €50,000 per project, will be funded per year. Applications are invited from any group or individual.

The projects should meet one of the following ten training priorities:

Environmental compliance;
Forest operator skills;
Forest protection and forest health;
Health and safety;
Sustainable forest management;
Climate mitigation in forests and timber;
Adaptation of forests, for climate change;
Forestry legislation;
Forest technology;
Ecology.

The competitive process is open to all, and applications are sought from as wide a range of stakeholders as possible, to cover each of the Training Priorities.

The specification document and application form are available to view on the DAFM website.