asked the Minister for Energy if he will make a statement on the trials to date of short rotation forestry as a source of energy and if there are any plans to develop it further.
Written Answers. - Short Rotation Forestry Trials.
14.
Trials on short rotation forestry have been undertaken by An Foras Talúntais, the Forest and Wildlife Service and Bord na Móna. In addition there is a project initiated by the National Board for Science and Technology involving two farmers in County Leitrim. The results of these trials have been mixed. However, I understand that target yields of dry matter have been attained where the optimum combinations of special, soil type, plant spacing and fertilisation have been present. I understand that An Foras Talúntais is continuing with its research in relation to yields and soil types.