Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 8 Nov 2000

Vol. 525 No. 3

Written Answers. - Alternative Energy Projects.

Ivan Yates

Question:

178 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if her attention has been drawn to the lack of any seed press in Ireland so that vegetable oils can be processed into fuel for multi-fuel engines; if she will consider financially aiding the establishment of a seed press unit in view of the fact that all materials such as rapeseed have to be exported for processing or if the Government is contemplating any support for such a proposal in the context of promoting Irish renewable vegetable oils as fuel; the proposals she has in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25061/00]

Minister of State at the Department of Public Enterprise (Mr. Jacob)

The National Development Plan, 2000-2006, identifies the key energy sector priority as areas of expenditure which will assist Ireland in complying with its obligations under the Kyoto Protocol. A provision of £146 million over the seven years of the plan has been made for energy related expenditure including energy efficiency research and development. In the chapter dealing with energy related research, development and demonstration the Green Paper on Sustainable Energy sets out a research and development strategy using a balance of the following approaches: a public, good fully funded research programme in co-operation with universities and institutions; a shared cost programme to be carried out with industry to exploit commercial opportunities; and international collaborative research.

The development of alternative fuels can be expected to feature under one or more of the above approaches. The Irish Energy Centre is currently preparing a three-year research and development work programme with the objective of achieving the most effective outcome at least cost. The programme will be funded as part of the Economic and Social Infrastructure Operational programme.