Ryan urged to make announcement on price paid for biomass burning

A DECISION is urgently needed on the price the Government will pay peat power stations for burning biomass such as miscanthus.

That’s the view of Labour Party agriculture spokesman Sean Sherlock, who said an ongoing delay by Communications Minister Eamon Ryan in making an announcement on this issue has serious implications for the sector as the harvesting season has now arrived.

He said it is vital the REFIT (Renewal Energy Feed in Tariff) price is clarified to allow a margin at each stage of the supply chain.

This will in turn secure the survival of the domestic biomass and miscanthus industries in the long term, he said.

Mr Sherlock said the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources told growers a decision would be issued in January but it is now mid-April and no information is forthcoming.

“I am told the REFIT price is the single biggest issue affecting the industry,” he said.

“Without the power station taking on miscanthus at a viable price, this industry will collapse and the Government will have no chance of meeting the 2015 target with indigenous biomass.”

He called on Mr Ryan to make an announcement without further delay.

- The Irish Hereford Breed Society holds a show and sale of 54 bulls in Nenagh, Co Tipperary, today. The show starts at 11am and the sale at 1pm. A further show and sale of 51 bulls will be held at the same times in Kilmallock, Co Limerick, on April 23.