Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 234: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the total number of producers of alternative fuel currently engaged in contributing to national requirements; the number of such producers awaiting planning permission or other approval; the identifiable obstructions to the early utilisation of such services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20369/05]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Ireland's biofuels sector is currently at a very early stage of development and there are currently two pure plant oil producers active in the biofuels market. Under the pilot biofuels mineral oil tax relief scheme which my Department recently advertised, a total of 34 applications were received under the call for proposals by the closing date. Applications were received under all three categories of biofuel. A number of challenges to market development are being addressed as part of an ongoing policy to develop the sector. These challenges include high production costs relative to fossil fuels, sourcing and maintaining adequate feedstocks, consumer awareness, ensuring quality standards, and accessing distribution networks.

These issues, and appropriate measures to increase market penetration, are currently being considered in consultation with all of the relevant Departments. As part of developing policy, a liquid biofuels strategy study was published by Sustainable Energy Ireland in December 2004. This report provides comprehensive details on the potential for the development of a biofuels market in Ireland and options to stimulate the market. Further studies are now being commissioned with a view to evaluating the most effective policy mechanisms for developing Ireland's biofuels sector.