Carol Nolan (Offaly, Sinn Fein)
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1195. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the grant schemes that exist for persons wishing to develop biomass projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35813/17]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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My Department's afforestation scheme includes a planting category called "Forestry for Fibre" which provides financial assistance to landowners who want to plant trees for use as domestic fuel or as an energy source generating heat and/or electricity. In addition to grants to cover the cost of establishment, 10 annual premiums of €180/ha are also available. Trees planted under Forestry for Fibre can be harvested in 10 – 15 years, generating yields of between 150 – 300 cubic metres per hectare. This rotation is significantly less than conventional forestry where conifer forests mature between 35 and 40 years.

As well as reducing domestic heating costs Forestry for Fibre has an important role in Ireland’s transition to a low carbon and climate resilient future; by sustainably growing trees for heat and electricity generation fossil fuels are replaced with a renewable source of energy. Forestry for Fibre also presents opportunities for farmers to diversify their income stream by supplying firewood to local markets.

Forestry for Fibre is currently being reviewed as part of the Department’s midterm review of the Forestry Programme 2014 – 2020.