asked the Minister for Energy if he will outline the present state of progress of the biomass project to be located at Bellacorick, County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Bellacorick (Mayo) Biomass Project.
31.
The biomass demonstration project, which is in progress at a number of locations, is proceeding satisfactorily. The demonstration programmme involves the planting, maintenance, and harvesting of short rotation forestry and its subsequent combustion for electricity generation. During this project 200 hectares (500 acres) of coppicing trees and 200 hectares (500 acres) of single stem conifers will be grown over a period of five years, at Bellacorick, County Mayo, in addition to other planting at Clonsast, County Offaly. This demonstration project is a pioneering effort in the technical development of short rotation forestry.
During 1980, 40 hectares of coppicing trees were planted at Bellacorick by Bord na Móna, of which 28 were on deep bog and 12 on cutaway bog. As a result of earlier experimentation two species of willow and one species of alder were selected for planting. In addition, a further 40 hectares of single-stem trees have been planted. Further plantings are currently proceeding. The progress of these plantings is being closely monitored. The second phase of this programme will proceed from April 1981 and is budgeted at £7.6 million for a three-four year period.