Minister Hackett to commission major study on wool

The Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and Offaly Green Party Senator Pippa Hackett has announced that she is looking for input from stakeholders to guide the commissioning of a major Feasibility Study on Wool.

Asking for those interested to identify what they see as market opportunities for wool and also to contribute to the development of Terms of Reference for the study, the Minister said: “Wool is plentiful in this country and I am really keen to see how we can make the best of it. That is why I was so pleased to secure €100,000 for what I see as a major piece of work assessing whether or not we can develop a variety of wool products for national and international markets.

“I expect to be going to market for a firm to conduct the feasibility study sometime in May, but before I do that, I want to consult with stakeholders to make sure we get the Terms of Reference right. Good information comes from identifying the right questions and we want to be sure we have done that, the Minister said.”

Speaking further about the importance of doing the feasibility study the Minister continued, “‘Wool is sustainable and wool is renewable, so it makes great sense for us to see where its potential lies. While its use in textiles is of course established, it is also an organic, low carbon, natural material which can perhaps be used, viably, in a wide range of products such as fertilisers, insulation and packaging.

“I would like to know even now, before we start, where people believe the opportunities are. I expect the feasibility study when produced will assist me in developing a roadmap for the Irish Wool Industry.”

And with the help and guidance of a Wool Forum Stakeholder Group which I am establishing, I also expect it to help me to shape future policy on wool as envisaged in the Programme for Government.”