James Leonard
Question:109 Mr. Leonard asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the proposals, if any, he has for biomass production in view of the availability of set-aside land.
Written Answers. - Biomass Production.
My function in relation to biomass relates to the potential use of these crops for energy purposes. The question of production, on set aside land or otherwise, is primarily an agricultural matter. Recognising the potential importance of this energy source, I have in consultation with my colleague Deputy Liam Hyland, the Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry who has responsibility for rural development, established a Biomass Committee chaired by my Department and involving other interested Departments and agencies, to examine the potential for production and use of biomass crops in this country. The areas of particular interest in the context of Common Agricultural Policy reform are short rotation forestry for power generation and crops such as oil seed rape for biofuels.