Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

310. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he has examined the sustainability of repeated biomass removals on soil; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44830/17]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Biomass production must, in common with all crops, be managed sustainably in order to mitigate the potential negative impacts on soil and biodiversity.

It is important to note that a substantial amount of biomass currently used for heat comes from waste products rather than energy crops.  The Energy in Ireland Report, published by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, found that wood waste (such as wood chips, barks, sawdust etc.) accounts for nearly half (49%) of the solid biomass used in 2015.

The Bioenergy Plan which is currently in development will highlight the full range of supply-side and demand-side measures that are needed to release the full potential of the domestic biomass sector in Ireland.  The Plan will also set out the actions necessary to ensure the sustainability of biomass, in terms of its impact on soil and other aspects such as climate, air quality, biodiversity and watershed protection.