Ciarán Cuffe (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 529: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has read the UK feasibility study (details supplied) on heating public buildings with biomass; and if he will consider commissioning a similar feasibility report. [36890/05]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

My Department encourages the adoption of environmentally sustainable management systems, including energy conservation programmes, in all public buildings.

I understand that in December 2003 the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources set up a bioenergy strategy group, BSG, to consider the policy options and support mechanisms available to Government to stimulate increased use of biomass for energy conversion. Membership of the BSG comprised representatives of various Departments as well as State agencies in the agriculture and energy sectors and industry representatives.

The findings of the bioenergy strategy group are being considered by the renewable energy development group in the context of overall policy recommendations.