National annual timber production is expected to increase to 3 million cubic metres by the year 2000. The forest based industry in Ireland consists of about 100 sawmills and 2 pulpmills. Employment in the forest and wood products industry is about 13,000. On average, each additional 1,000 hectares of planting generates 100 jobs. Despite its exports, Ireland is a net importer of wood and wood products.
Forests can make an important contribution to environmental quality.
Besides creating a renewable raw material, they cam help to control soil erosion, flooding and avalanches, help to balance the earth's atmosphere, improve the landscape, support a variety of flora and fauna, and offer an opportunity for leisure and recreation. Commercial forestry can maximise its contribution to environmental quality through careful development. The Forestry Operational Programme requires that all measures taken under it be compatible with the protection of the environment. Drainage, ploughing and fertilisation of land for forestry and the growing of a crop can change its wildlife value. Boglands are an example of ecosystems with sites of international importance in Ireland.