James Leonard
Question:118 Mr. Leonard asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the progress, if any, which has been made on a cross-Border basis to develop short rotation forestry for energy. [24822/96]
Written Answers. - Forestry for Energy.
I refer the Deputy to my response to Question No. 117 of 23 October 1996, Official Report, Volume 470, Column 1154.
My Department is continuing its active involvement in the agriculture and forestry biomass network. This group is co-ordinated by Teagasc and is funded under the EU Altener programme. Representation is from the farming sector, universities and colleges, environmental and energy consultants, agricultural agencies and Government Departments. Membership is drawn from both sides of the Border. The group is working to identify the barriers to agricultural based biomass energy development. The cross-Border dimension of this initiative has allowed for information exchange on both the energy and agricultural aspects of biomass development.
In addition, the joint North/South energy challenge programme, which is funded under INTERREG II, allows for a cross-Border approach to biomass development. In 1995, energy challenge supported a feasibility study proposal on wood biomass to energy, submitted by a network of groups and experts from the North and the Republic. A new energy challenge was launched in September this year and also includes grant support for biomass to energy feasibility studies. Almost 50 applications across the energy efficiency and renewable energy sphere have been received and these are currently being assessed.