Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 117: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the funding available within his Department to research and develop a biomass boiler that uses renewable energy feed stock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4541/09]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) operates a number of grant schemes in this area. These include the Renewable Energy Research Development and Demonstration programme, which provides grant support for the development of new renewable energy technologies, including the development of advanced biomass energy systems. Individuals or companies can contact SEI and apply for support under this scheme.

SEI also operates a number of other support schemes for the commercial deployment of biomass heating systems, for the domestic user. SEI operates the Greener Homes Scheme, which provides fixed grant support for biomass boilers. At the commercial level, SEI operates the Renewable Energy Heating scheme, which provides 30% grant support for boilers up to 1 Mega Watt in size. Boilers at a size larger than this also qualify for grant support with a slightly reduced rate. Both programmes are designed to stimulate the deployment of renewable energy heating in Ireland and will assist in achieving the target of delivering 12% of heat from renewable energy sources by 2020.