The forestry service, Coillte, has reported a 36% increase in its profits, according to 2003 results presented to its AGM in Dublin.
The group said its profit of €25.5m was due, in part, to increased revenue from log sales and good results in its landbased business.
However, losses were recorded in the Nurseries and Planting Business Units. Coillte claims the losses were due to cutbacks in the national forestry programme in 2003.
Criticising the company, the environmental group Friends of the Irish Environment has called on the Minister for Finance to bring it under the Freedom of Information Act.
FIE claims that many of the impacts, especially relating to reforestation, which is currently running at over 10,000 hectares a year, can only be assessed if the company is required to comply with the act.
The environmental group says it is also seriously concerned with the impact on the environment and local communities of Coillte Teo's property sales.
