asked the Minister for Energy if, in view of the assertion in the ESRI report on energy crops that a more refined estimate of productivity potential in the Border region was not possible because of lack of experience in growing particular species, he will initiate a pilot scheme in the Cooley area of north Louth.

7.

asked the Minister for Energy if, in view of the poor take-up of EEC funds for private afforestation for either conventional forestry, or energy crops; he will consider setting up a non-Government agency, to promote afforestation.

8.

asked the Minister for Energy if he will consider starting a pilot scheme for the growing of energy crops in the bog of Ardee, County Louth.

9.

asked the Minister for Energy if he noted the comment of the National Economic and Social Council on the study "Irish Energy Policy" with reference to the narrow base of the current energy crops demonstration project; and if so, the action he proposes to take to correct the position.

10.

asked the Minister for Energy the amount of EEC funds to date allocated to this country for biomass production: and the amount taken up.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 6 to 10, inclusive, together.

In reply to these questions I will deal with short rotation forestry for energy purposes as it relates to my Department.

The available evidence suggests that forestry for energy purposes may have economic potential on land which is marginal for conventional agriculture. There are extensive areas of such land, but before promoting large scale afforestation for energy purposes, it is necessary to demonstrate in practice that energy crops are an economic proposition.

There are at present two projects underway, both with the object of testing the economic practicality of short rotation forestry.

The larger project is being conducted by Bord na Móna, the Forestry and Wildlife Service and the ESB, under the coordination of the National Board for Science and Technology. This project aims at planting various species of trees on 600 hectares, mainly of bogland. The cost was estimated in 1979 at £9.21 million, of which the EEC agreed to contribute up to £3.15 million. In the event, expenditure to date has been £3.36 million, of which the EEC have paid £1.28 million. The project is now in its fourth year. Growth to date is very disappointing and well below the projected economic level. Studies are being made to find the reasons for the poor performance.

The second demonstration project is being conducted by An Foras Talúntais, with assistance from the National Board for Science and Technology. This project aims at developing private plantations on the wet mineral soils of County Leitrim. Results to date have been mixed on this project also, although it is as yet too early to assess its long term prospects.

I am satisfied that these two projects cover a wide range of the tree and soil types most likely to offer good prospects for energy crop development. Until they are completed and assessed, I do not propose to establish any further forestry biomass projects, as it is not yet certain what commercial future exists for energy crops in Ireland.