Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)

I welcome the initiative taken by SEI and the Minister to explore this particular possibility to use seaweed or algae for bio-fuels. A source, where there is a nutrient rich environment, is available to us and regrettably we have had problems in respect of agricultural run-off. Is it possible for the Departments of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to undertake a joint project when the research is complete? It may be limited in its application but it is a source that creates no problems with regard to the production of food. As in other areas, second generation bio-fuels can deal with a form of waste or the result of contamination that can be put to productive use.

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