Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Biomass sourced from forests and specially grown energy crops such as willow, coppice and miscanthus has an important role to play as a source of renewable energy. Over one third of the annual forest harvest in the form of wood chips, wood pellets and firewood, or close on one million tonnes, is now used for energy generation. Forest road grants, provided by my Department to enable first thinning of plantations, and the broadleaf thinning grant, are important measures in supporting the delivery of forest-based biomass for energy use. Grant-aid under the Bioenergy Scheme also supports the establishment of the energy crops willow and miscanthus. My Department also supports the development of wood fuel quality standards and assurance systems, and provides technical advice through the web site woodenergy.ie, aimed at increasing the use of wood fuels and supporting business development.

The Deputy may be aware that the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Pat Rabbitte, T.D., has announced his intention to publish a National Bioenergy Strategy shortly. This strategy will examine all aspects of the bioenergy sector so as to inform the actions required to maximise its contribution to achieving the 2020 targets under the Renewable Energy Directive. My Department is working closely with Minister Rabbitte’s Department in assessing the potential of bioenergy from the agriculture and forestry sectors, including biomass resources, to contribute to the 2020 targets.