Alternative energy: open day

AN explosion of public interest in alternative energy sources was reflected at a Teagasc biofuels open day in Carlow yesterday when an estimated 1,500 people turned up.

Minister of State Tom Parlon, who recently published a detailed roadmap for the adoption of biofuels, was delighted with the interest shown. He said crops such as rape seed, elephant grass and willow offer farmers a new source of income and a solution to the challenges of energy security and meeting the Kyoto obligations, if the right market framework is created.

Mr Parlon said the Progressive Democrats are putting together a package for establishment grants and other aids for fuel crops.