ICSA sheep chair Sean McNamara has welcomed the announcement by Minister Pippa Hackett confirming that the long-awaited Wool Feasibility Study is finally underway. “In early 2020 ICSA established the Irish Wool Steering Group which comprised leading figures in the Irish wool industry. The group has been focused on charting a way forward for the wool sector. We are delighted to say that a member of this group – Chris Weiniger of Donegal Yarns – has been chosen as part of a consortium to undertake this study,” he said.

ICSA Organics chair Fergal Byrne said, “This is a very important review as it will investigate the potential demand in domestic and international markets for wool based products. It is hoped that this review will help to develop a road map for the Irish wool industry. Through the work of our own Wool Steering Group, we in ICSA certainly believe there is massive potential for the sector, and the time has come to realise that potential.”

Both Mr McNamara and Mr Byrne said they looked forward to working with the consortium undertaking the study reading the finished report which is scheduled to be completed by early 2022.

ENDS