Thomas Pringle (Donegal South West, Independent)
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121. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the bio-energy strategy has been finalised; the actions required to optimise the use of biomass; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19961/14]

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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My Department is currently in the process of finalising a national bioenergy strategy which will be published in a matter of weeks. The strategy will set out the actions required to optimise the contribution that a sustainable bioenergy sector could make to the achievement of the 2020 renewable energy target for Ireland. A strong bioenergy sector could also make important contributions to a wide range of Government policy objectives, from agriculture through to environment policy and the strategy will draw on contributions from various government departments and agencies, as well as other stakeholders.

Central to the strategy is the continued support for the significant policies already in place. The Biofuel Obligation Scheme will continue to be the primary means through which Ireland will meet its 10% target for renewable energy in transport. Additionally, the Biofuel Obligation Scheme has the potential to incentivise production of indigenous biofuels. The REFIT schemes will continue to support the generation of electricity and Combined Heat and Power from a range of biomass feedstocks.

The analysis underpinning the strategy is that an additional bioenergy-focussed measure in the heat sector represents the most cost effective means of meeting a number of different policy goals. It is intended, therefore, subject to Government approval, that the strategy will incorporate targeted and cost effective measures to stimulate demand for biomass-fuelled heat. I intend to establish a cross-departmental steering group to oversee the implementation of the actions arising from the bioenergy strategy. Having such a group in place would also serve a dual purpose of maintaining a high visibility and profile for the sector as well as being a vehicle to facilitate constructive engagement between all the relevant actors. I intend, also, to have the group examine the potential for cost effective deployment of biogas and biomethane to help meet our renewable energy targets. The strategy will also set out a series of actions to support the cost effective supply of biomass from indigenous sources.