Growing Need For Alternative Home Produced, Secure Sources Of Energy - Minister Killeen

The purpose of the BioEnergy event, jointly organised by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI), COFORD and Teagasc, is to promote the use of solid biomass and raise awareness across all sectors from landowner to end user of the many uses and advantages in growing, harvesting and using wood fuels and energy crops for energy generation.

Speaking at the event, Minister of State Killeen commented, "With oil and other fossil fuels at record price levels, the need for alternative home produced, secure sources of energy is becoming more important all the time. The good news is that there are many potential alternative and climate-friendly renewable sources of energy that we can exploit. The key words here are ‘renewable’ and ‘climate-friendly’. Bio energy, which is a clean, renewable, source of energy, is one way of responding to this challenge."

Referring to forestry, one of his areas of responsibility within the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Minister of State Killeen commented, "The role of forestry in our National Climate Change Strategy, through its absorption of carbon, is also important".

The Clare T.D. highlighted the benefits of forestry for farmers and the community in general.

"The current forestry programme creates the opportunity for a major transformation in Irish farming, which can underpin the long–term economic viability of many holdings. Forestry can create employment, often in remote rural areas where opportunities are limited", he said.

Minister of State Killeen announced another boost for the supply chain of wood biomass in the awarding of almost €50,000 in grants for the acquisition of further 2 wood biomass harvesting machines.

He commented that the Department is also promoting the production of energy crops as an alternative land use option.

"We believe this area can provide a new source of income for farmers and other landowners", concluded the Junior Agriculture Minister.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editor:
- Tony Killeen T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (with special responsibility for Fisheries and Forestry), is available for interview and further comment on 0035387-2525304. Alternatively please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on 00353868534900 or media@dunphypr.com
- High-resolution images of Minister Killeen are available on request

Mark Dunphy
Dunphy Public Relations
www.dunphypr.com
00353-868534900 (mobile)
00353-656839692 (fax)