James Leonard
Ceist:17 Mr. Leonard asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the measures, if any, he has to avail of funding under the new directives on INTERREG II for renewable energy on a cross-Border basis. [19449/96]
Written Answers. - Renewable Energy Projects.
James Leonard
Ceist:89 Mr. Leonard asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the cross-Border proposals, if any, there are for the production of energy through indigenous renewable resources biomass under INTERREG II funding. [17993/96]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 17 and 89 together.
I draw the Deputy's attention to the second round of the Energy Challenge competition which I launched on 26 September last. This is a joint North-South initiative funded under the INTERREG II programme. The aim of this initiative is to encourage local entities in the INTERREG region to asses their energy supply and demand situation and to seek local solutions to their energy problems.
Under the second round of Energy Challenge, grants of up to £20,000 per project are available towards the cost of carrying out feasibility studies in the following areas: biomass potential, including energy crops, biofuel, biogas and energy from waste; local wind energy potential; local hydro power possibilities; energy efficiency in buildings; and community or district heating systems.
The deadline for receipt of completed applications is 1 December 1996 and supported studies should commence in January 1997. Studies must be completed by 30 November 1997.
For the Deputy's information, I am circulating a list of projects supported under the first round of Energy Challenge in 1995.
Energy Challenges Projects — ROI
|
Proposer |
Project title |
Aim |
|
Sligo County Enterprise Board Techno Tyrone Ltd |
Assessment of Woodfuel Resource and Conversion Options in County Sligo |
The project aims to provide information for the construction of a wood-fuelled energy production unit in County Sligo. |
|
Energy Action Ltd/Drogheda Partnership, Bryson House Charity/St. Mary's High School, Newry |
Community Partnership Energy Plan— Feasibility study |
This project seeks to develop a model for producing a community owned and supported energy plan while fostering community action to provide long-term support for energy efficiency. It also aims to achieve a 30 per cent saving on energy consumption. |
|
Donegal Energy Action Team (DEAT) |
Feasibility of Wind Energy Project, incorporating local ownership and control |
To examine the feasibility of establishing a wind energy project with a substantial degree of local involvement. |
|
Údarás na Gaeltachta |
Small Enterprise Energy Audit Programme |
To increase energy awareness among small enterprises and involve them in identifying solutions. |
|
Cavan County Council, Donegal Energy Action Team |
Feasibility study for the disposal of animal and sewage sludge with energy recovery |
To examine a method of disposal of these wastes which is environmentally acceptable and has the added benefit of providing a source of energy. |
Energy Challenge Projects—NI
|
Proposer |
Project title |
Details |
|
WREAN, Desmond & Sons Ltd., Mr. J. Gilliland, Fruit of the Loom International Ltd. |
Bio-Energy in Rural Economy of the Border areas |
This project aims to investigate the feasibility for using locally grown willow coppice as a fuel for industry. It would thus encourage eco-friendliness among companies and boost local agriculture. |
|
South West Fermanagh Development Organisation, Belturbet Development |
Corraquil Hydro-Power Project |
This scheme entails the development of a hydro-electric turbine at Corraquil which would provide power for recently established “Tourism Villages” on both sides of the Border. |
|
Castlewellan Regeneration Ltd., Clones Development Society |
Towns Audit and Energy Shops |
To produce a detailed professional study of energy supply and demand in Clones and Castlewellan, identifying any potential savings. Also, the establishment of “Energy shops” to advice on and to provide, energy saving practices and materials. |
|
B9 Energy Services Ltd. Bryson House Charity, Donegal Energy Action Team |
Ulster Energy Trail |
To produce a map, aimed at both schools and tourists, of energy installations in Northern Ireland and the southern Border counties. The theme of suggested itineraries would be to increase awareness of renewable energy sources. |
|
WREAN, Ulster Farmer's Union, Údarás na Gaeltachta, Irish Farmers' Association |
Farm Energy Audit |
To examine the feasibility of establishing an “energy trail” in the north-west of Ireland. The trail would feature new and long established renewable energy sites to promote public awareness of such energy sources. |
|
Fivemiletown and Brookeboro Co-op Agricultural and Dairy Society Ltd., Ulster Agricultural Organisation Society and Fivemiletown High School |
Anaerobic Digestor |
To study the possibility of using a “Biogas” plant which could produce electricity through the processing of animal waste, such a plant would also address the adverse environmental impact of current methods of animal waste disposal. |