25 Oct 2012, 15:07
The Government should promote the use of the various forms of biomass available in Ireland, including animal waste, domestic waste, human sewage and vegetable and folio waste, as a source of energy, according to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht.
In a letter to the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, the Committee said that the use of biomass will provide clean, renewable energy and reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, our imports of fossil fuels and our levels of waste disposal and pollution. The Committee said this should be a major priority during Ireland’s Presidency of the European Union in 2013.
Noting the interim NESC report Towards a New Climate Change Policy and following a meeting with the NESC this week, the Committee has made a number of key recommendations in its letter to the Minister.
The Committee agreed that the Government should:
• Address the issue of fuel poverty and maximise the incentives to encourage people to use renewable fuels by making both the available heating systems and the fuels used as affordable as possible
• Address the levels of fuel consumption in publicly-owned buildings through renovation and improving energy use
• Consult with Teagasc and implement measures which Teagasc identifies as necessary and feasible to promote the development of the biofuel sector in agriculture.
• Appoint an independent Climate Change Commission to advise it on issues pertinent to climate change.
• Request the National Economic and Social Council to investigate abatement measures and develop a strategy for flood alleviation in the Shannon Basin and in other areas impacted by increasing rainfall levels and consequent flooding.
Cathaoirleach of the Oireachtas Committee on the Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht, Michael McCarthy, TD said: “Ireland should increase and diversify the variety of natural materials it uses to produce energy and heat. Biomass offers a clear example of the type of secure, sustainable, environmentally-friendly energy that could be harnessed in Ireland given our natural resources. Not only have renewable energy projects the potential to address environmental and sustainability issues, they could create much-needed jobs throughout the country.
“The Committee is looking forward to continuing to engage with the Minister, his department and key stakeholders in helping to formulate policy on the very important issue of climate change and energy security. We will play an important role in devising climate policy when the Heads of the Climate bill will be referred to the Committee before the end of this year.”
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Membership of the Joint Committee on Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht
Deputies: James Bannon TD (Fine Gael); Paudie Coffey TD (Fine Gael); Noel Coonan (Fine Gael) Leas-Chathaoirleach; Marcella Corcoran Kennedy TD (Fine Gael); Barry Cowen TD (Fianna Fáil); Luke Flanagan TD (Independent); Kevin Humphreys TD (Labour); Michael McCarthy TD (Labour) Cathaoirleach; Sandra Mc Lellan TD (Sinn Féin); Tony McLoughlin TD (Fine Gael); Michelle Mulherin TD (Fine Gael); Catherine Murphy TD (Independent); Gerald Nash TD (Labour); Brian Stanley TD (Sinn Féin).
Senators: Senator Cáit Keane (Fine Gael) Senator Denis Landy (Labour); An Seanadóir Fiach Mac Conghail (Neamhspleách); Senator Catherine Noone (Fine Gael); An Seanadóir Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fáil): Senator Ned O’Sullivan (Fianna Fáil).