Glennon Brothers welcomes Minister Sean Sherlock to Fermoy
20/05/2013
From left to right: Mike Glennon, Glennon Brothers, Minister Sean Sherlock, Pat Glennon, Glennon Brothers
Timber processing firm, Glennon Brothers welcomed Minister Sean Sherlock, Minister of State, for Research & Innovation, to its Fermoy plant on Monday May 20th 2013.
During the visit, the Minister met with Pat and Mike Glennon, and viewed the progress of the €12 million capital investment programme in value added processing on the site. The visit aimed to highlight the importance of the sawmilling sector to the Irish economy, and the potentially devastating consequences of the possible sale of Coillte harvesting rights.
Pat Glennon, Glennon Brothers stated “We were delighted to welcome Minister Sherlock to Fermoy, to see first hand, the important contribution of Glennon Brothers and the Irish sawmilling sector to the Irish economy. The single biggest issue facing the sector today is the proposed sale of Coillte’s harvesting rights. Glennon Brothers are opposed to any sale which could lead to the closure of all ten of Ireland’s sawmills, causing the loss of 2,500 jobs, with disastrous consequences for the Irish economy”
Mike Glennon, Glennon Brothers added “Economic commentators agree that Ireland’s economic recovery will be export led. At Glennon Brothers, we have worked tirelessly to transform our business, and now export over two thirds of our Irish output. Over the last two years, our contribution to the economy has increased from €23 million to €35 million, solely due to exports. The proposed sale of Coillte harvesting rights, would affect the continuity of log supply, which is critical for our efforts to grow exports in new and existing markets.”
Minister Sean Sherlock said "Having met with the Glennons this week, I can honestly say that I share and take on board their concerns, and those of all forestry representatives who have brought similar apprehensions to my attention. I have welcomed Minister Rabitte's statement that privatisation of Coillte is unlikely and take this a positive sign".