Bioenergy an 'opportunity' for farmers and rural communities

She said the Government has put measures in place to develop a market in feed-stocks for bioenergy production.

The measures include actions to develop the forest wood energy chain, increase production of energy crops and support research and development in the agri-energy field.

“The ‘green agenda’ is a topic we have all become increasingly familiar with as concerns grow about the effects of climate change, increased carbon emissions and Ireland’s heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels.

“Increasing the amount of energy from renewable sources can play an important role in providing access to secure, sustainable and competitively priced energy,” she said.

“And of course, renewable energy is an integral part in the fight against climate change.

“We have a wealth of renewable energy resources in Ireland, particularly in the agriculture and forestry sectors, which provide most of the raw materials for bioenergy production,” said Ms Coughlan.

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