Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)

In the context of the NewERA plan the Government commits to an ambitious strategy of accelerating the development of Ireland's forestry and bioenergy resources. Key to the realisation of this strategy is the plan to create a new State company, to be called BioEnergy Ireland, which will entail the merger of Bord na Móna and Coillte.

The Government envisages that the new company will become a global leader in the commercialisation of next-generation bioenergy technologies. In addition, it will oversee delivery of an annual 14,700 hectare afforestation programme. I will work with the Minister, Deputy Rabbitte, with the Minister for Agriculture, Marine and Food, and all relevant Ministers to develop a national bioenergy strategy as well as a comprehensive business case to underpin the merger of Bord na Móna and Coillte.

The systematic development of Ireland's abundant bioenergy resources will contribute to national security of energy supply and our renewable energy targets. Critically, it will support rural development by providing new markets and employment development opportunities for the agriculture, farming and forestry sectors.

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