Burning issue: "Ireland has the potential to develop an indigenous fuel supply from forestry and wood industry waste for domestic, industrial and export markets," says Paul Kellett, technical manager of Sustainable Energy Ireland's Renewable Energy Information Office.
The development of a wood energy industry could play a significant role in rural regeneration, according to Kellet, who chaired several sessions at Wood Energy 2003, a two-day conference held in the EPA headquarters in Johnstown Castle, Wexford, last weekend. Known as wood biomass, the fuel is produced from the wood waste from sawmills and board mills and made into wood chips or wood pellets which are a compact, clean, easy-to-store fuel with a high energy content. The first wood pellet plant on the island of Ireland will begin production in Balcas, Enniskillen, next year. Delegates at the conference, which was co-hosted by Coford, the National Council for Forest Research and Development and SEI, heard about wood fuel production in Finland, France and Austria. Further details from SEI Renewable Energy Information Office. Tel: 023-42193 or email: renewables@reio.ie
Saving cetaceans
More than 300,000 whales, dolphins and porpoises, collectively known as cetaceans, die each year from entanglement in fishing gear, according to a new study. "This is no doubt significantly depleting and disrupting many populations of whales, dolphins and porpoises. Several species will be lost in the next few decades if nothing is done," says Andy Read, co-chair of the World Wildlife Fund's Cetacean Bycatch Task Force. Death in fishing gear is believed by some to be the leading threat to the survival of many cetaceans. However, solutions are available, including the use of buoy lines and acoustic pingers that warn marine mammals away from nets. In the US such methods have reduced the numbers of cetaceans caught in nets by two thirds. Full report in the summer issue of Rón, the Irish Seal Sanctuary online newsletter. E-mail: jjceaser@eircom.net.
Environmental daytripping
Calling all environmentalists: today, there's a chance to see a broadleaf tree plantation at Matt and Mary Fogarty's farm near Terryglass, Co Tipperary. There will be guided walks through the nursery and plantation from 1.30 p.m.-6 p.m. Admission is free. Tel: 067-22053. Tomorrow, from 11 a.m-5 p.m., the third annual open day takes place at the Organic Centre in Rossinver, Co Leitrim. Highlights include a talk by organic gardener and author Joy Larkcom and tours of the gardens. Admission €5. Tel: 072-54338. Next up is an open day at the Fenor Bog, Co Waterford on Sunday, July 27th to celebrate International Bog Day. Organised by the Irish Peatland Conservation Council, there will be guided walks and a children's programme. Tel: 01-8722397 for details. Author and economist Richard Douthwaite is the guest speaker at the open day to show the native grain collection of the Irish Seedsavers Association in Raheen, Piltown, Co Kilkenny, on Saturday, August 2nd. Tel: 061-921866 for bookings.