Department install wood fuel boiler

THE heating system in the Department of Agriculture and Food’s regional office in Johnstown Castle Estate, Co Wexford, is to become wood fuelled from September.

Forestry Minister Mary Wallace visited the complex where she oversaw the installation of a wood fuelled boiler.

She met with the contractor who will be carrying out the work under the supervision of the Office of Public Works.

Minister Wallace also noted the involvement of COFORD in the development of the project.

“It is important that we, in Government, not only encourage and affirm the benefits of wood energy but that we actively promote them.

“Indeed we need to take a leading role in actively pursuing wood energy projects,” she said.

Ms Wallace said the promotion of wood as a viable alternative energy source is a key objective of the Government.

“This project will serve as a template for further action by state and private institutions alike,” she said.

Ms Wallace said it was incumbent on everybody to find new ways of reducing dependence on expensive imported fossil fuels from both economic and environmental viewpoints.

Wood energy can contribute significantly to Ireland meeting its targets under the Kyoto Protocol.

As well as producing a carbon-neutral alternative to fossil fuel, the cultivation of wood energy crops represents a significant potential source of income for farmers and landowners.