Weekly Noticeboard 12/12/15

1. Clarification Notice – applications under the REFIT Schemes.
While the closing date for REFIT schemes remains as 4pm on 31 December 2015, in response to a number of queries regarding the status of REFIT applications but which do not include a copy of full planning permission and/or a grid connection offer or agreement, DCENR has issued a clarification. See details.

2. Food Wise 2025 Implementation Plan has a single brief mention of anaerobic digestion. Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Simon Coveney last week announced the publication of the Implementation Plan for Food Wise 2025.  Food Wise 2025, the new strategy for the development of the agri food sector over the next decade, was drawn up by an independent committee of stakeholders and experts, and launched by the Taoiseach in July this year. In the section on Sustainability Actions, the implementation plan notes:

“DAFM to continue to work closely with DCENR, as part of the Bioenergy Plan discussions, to assess supply side issues related to the potential of bioenergy from the agriculture and forestry sectors and develop farm-scale renewables. DAFM will continue to support afforestation and mobilisation measures under the Forestry Programme 2014-2020 and encourage the innovative use of animal by-products (ABP) for energy production.

From a quick search, it appears the only mention of anaerobic digestion in the implementation plan is Pigmeat Action #280: “Explore feasibility of alternative slurry usage and disposal options, such as anaerobic digestion.” Teagasc has lead ownership of this action, supported by farmers, to be achieved by 2025.

 

3. Bord Na Mona eTender – mobile wood chipping machine. Bord na Mona, through eTenders, is inviting expressions of interest from suitably qualified suppliers for the supply of a mobile wood chipping machine. Deadline for proposals is 22 December 2015. Details.

Michael Hegarty
IrBEA General Manager