Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)

Within the horticulture sector, there has already been significant capital investment in new glass technology and more efficient growing tunnels. Grant aid has been provided by my Department for investments to maximise energy-efficient production. Investment in more efficient technologies will continue to be a priority as energy costs continue to exert pressure on margins. Under the new scheme of grant aid for commercial horticulture announced last month, priority will be given to projects that are environmentally sustainable. Proposals for investment in improved production structures and equipment for energy conservation will be welcomed. It is essential that horticultural producers bring their operations to a level of energy efficiency that can sustain them into the future.

Initiatives are being taken at both EU and national levels to develop alternative energy sources. The Government is committed to maximising the potential of non-food crops to benefit our indigenous renewable energy sector. Support is being given for research in the biofuel and biomass areas to enable us to respond to new opportunities quickly. The development of bio-energy should be of significant benefit to Irish farmers, including the horticulture sector, in which the rising cost of energy has been a major concern for many years. Teagasc is monitoring energy developments in the horticulture sector abroad and experiments are being conducted in Oakpark on alternative fuels, including woodchips.

I would like to speak about Sustainable Energy Ireland and other initiatives, including the Power of One campaign, but they are the responsibility of another Department.

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