Minister Killeen Announces Third Phase Of Bioenergy Scheme

The Scheme was launched on a pilot basis in 2007 to provide establishment grants to farmers to plant willow and miscanthus over the period 2007 to 2009.

Announcing the third phase, Minister Killeen said "I am pleased to confirm that EUR2 million is being made available in 2009 to support the planting of a further 1,800 hectares of miscanthus and willow. The Scheme is now open for applications and interested farmers can apply for establishment grants of up to EUR1,450 per hectare to cover 50% of the costs of establishing these crops".

The closing date for submission of applications for pre-planting approval is Friday, 30th January 2009.

Minister Killeen reminded farmers that applications would be processed on a first come, first served basis, subject to meeting the Scheme requirements and the availability of sufficient funding.

The Bioenergy Scheme operates under Council Regulation (EC) No 1782/2003, as amended, which authorises the payment of national aid to establish miscanthus and willow crops for Bioenergy purposes.

Miscanthus and willow are biomass crops and are grown to provide feedstock for use in the renewable energy market. Establishment grants are payments to cover part of the costs of establishment. Eligible costs include ground preparation, fencing, vegetation control, the purchase of planting stock and planting.

Details of the Bioenergy Scheme and application forms can be obtained from Biofuels Policy Unit, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Kea-Lew Business Park, Mountrath Road, Portlaoise, Co. Laois. Telephone 057-8692231 or at www.agriculture.gov.ie.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editor:
- For further information 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
media@dunphypr.com
00353-868534900