Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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49. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the status of the draft bio-energy plan; when he anticipates publishing this plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13894/17]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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The Draft Bioenergy Plan sets out the policy areas that must be coordinated to support the development of biomass sector in Ireland.  It also identifies 19 measures to support the sustainable development of the sector.  There are a wide range of Government departments, agencies and state bodies that are critical enablers for bioenergy development by virtue of their responsibility for areas such as forestry, agriculture, waste, research funding and business development.

My Department is still in the process of finalising the draft Environmental report and associated Natura Impact Statement in respect of the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Appropriate Assessment for the Bioenergy Plan.

I expect that these documents and a revised draft bioenergy plan to go for public consultation in quarter two this year. This consultation will be advertised on my Department's website at www.dccae.gov.ie.