Mr. Aidan O'Driscoll:

It has been in the pipeline for a while. We provided aid to farmers for many years to grow willow and, more controversially, miscanthus. There was a very low take-up of the scheme, and we suspended it last year for that reason while we reviewed the situation. I think willow has very significant benefits and provides opportunities for farmers, and in the future we may be able to re-enter the business. It is somewhat of a chicken-and-egg situation, in terms of having a market for the product.

For example, the power plant in Edenderry and some large installations, such as hospitals and so on, which have boilers are potential markets. It could be quite a significant crop for farmers, in particular those in more marginal areas. As we know, willow grows everywhere in this country. We need to join all of the dots.