Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)

My Department is implementing a number of measures set out in the National Bioenergy Action Plan to increase the share of bioenergy derived from the agriculture and forestry sectors. The measures include a bioenergy scheme to stimulate production of miscanthus and willow feedstock for use in the bioenergy market. The cultivation of willow and miscanthus has been relatively undeveloped in Ireland primarily due to high establishment costs estimated at €2,900 per hectare. The bioenergy scheme aims to kick start production of these crops by grant aiding the costs of establishment. Under the scheme, farmers can qualify for an establishment grant equal to 50% of the costs of planting willow and miscanthus. The maximum payment rate is €1,450 per hectare up to a ceiling of 30 hectares per applicant.

The scheme is being operated on a pilot basis up to end 2009. Since its launch in February 2007 it has generated much interest from farmers. During the first two phases, the Department provided for the planting of 3,000 hectares. The actual area planted came to 1,800 hectares. The third phase was launched in December 2008 providing for planting in 2009 of 900 hectares of miscanthus and 900 hectares of willow. As in previous years, the allocation was split evenly between both crops. Overall, 271 applications were received to plant 1,850 hectares of miscanthus and 360 hectares of willow. Pre-planting approvals have been issued in respect of the 900 hectares of miscanthus. In view of the shortfall in willow applications, my Department has reviewed the ceiling for miscanthus and agreed to issue additional approvals subject to respecting the overall 1,800-hectare ceiling for the bioenergy scheme 2009. These approvals will issue shortly.

My Department and Teagasc continue to work with stakeholders to maximise the potential to grow willow and miscanthus in Ireland. In 2008, Teagasc published a farm diversification manual providing detailed technical advice to farmers on growing willow and miscanthus. Together with Teagasc and Sustainable Energy Ireland, my Department co-funded an educational DVD Willow and Miscanthus — from Field to Furnace. The Department has also made available best practice guidelines for growing willow and miscanthus under the bioenergy scheme.

Additional Information not provided on the floor of the House.

The guide provides advice to growers on planting and harvesting operations to maximise crop yield and improve the economic viability of the crop.

The bioenergy scheme has ignited considerable interest among farmers in growing miscanthus and willow. It has helped bring some scale to the sector and raised awareness of the potential to grow these crops under Irish conditions. Overall, the area planted should exceed 3,500 ha by end 2009. I believe there is significant potential to develop miscanthus and willow planting in Ireland. My Department will carry out a comprehensive review of the bioenergy scheme in mid-2009 to include an assessment of the need for a further scheme.

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