John Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 495: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps she is taking to promote wood energy in County Sligo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11290/07]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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My Department, working in co-operation with COFORD (the National Council for Forest Research and Development) and Teagasc, is actively encouraging the development of the wood-energy sector on a national basis through a range of support measures aimed at creating an effective and efficient supply chain from producer to end user. [In addition I introduced recently a new establishment grant scheme for the planting of willow and miscanthus for bioenergy end-use]. These measures complement more recent support schemes introduced by the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources targeting the user side of the chain through the Pilot Bio-heat Boiler Deployment Programme and the Greener Homes Scheme. My Department is also represented on the Regional Biomass Advisory Group of the Wood Energy Development Initiative for the western region. This initiative, which is being managed and co-ordinated by the Western Development Commission, aims to develop a Regional Wood Energy Strategy and Action Plan for the western region.