Brendan Smith TD, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, has today announced a two-week extension to the closing date for applications under the 2011 Bioenergy Scheme. The closing date for submission of applications for pre-planting approval is now extended until Wednesday 2nd February 2011.

Announcing the extension, the Minister said "The recent adverse weather has caused great difficulty for farmers, advisors and contractors in assessing the suitability of land for planting with willow or miscanthus. In the circumstances, and in order to facilitate potential applicants under the Scheme, I feel it is necessary to extend the deadline by two weeks."

Details of the 2011 Bioenergy Scheme and application forms can be obtained from Biofuels Policy Unit, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Kea-Lew Business Park, Mountrath Road, Portlaoise, Co. Laois. Telephone 057-8692231/8692240 or at www.agriculture.gov.ie here

Note for Editors

The opening of 2011 Bioenergy Scheme was announced on 16th November 2010. The legal basis for the Bioenergy Scheme is Council Regulation (EC) No. 1698/2005, as amended, on Support for Rural Development by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development. Eligible costs include ground preparation operations, vegetation management, planting and the purchase of planting stock.

Date Released: 17 January 2011

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