A feasibility study to explore the sustainable management of agricultural green waste in IrelandIn November 2022, the Irish Bioenergy Association on behalf of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine developed a feasibility study to explore the sustainable management of agriculture green waste in Ireland. This report outlines many alternatives to burning which farmers could utilise.
The Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications confirmed in early 2023, that the practice of burning cut agricultural green wastes ends on the 30th of November 2023. Farmers must consider alternatives to burning for this material after this date. This applies to farmers who generate agricultural green waste through:

• Management of hedgerows
• Land clearance and maintenance activities
• Wind fall material
• Pest-infected and diseased material requiring management

This does not apply to the burning of standing, growing material, e.g., gorse and briars / brambles.
The purpose of this report is to explore, gather and consider the feasibility of sustainable alternatives to the burning of this cut agricultural green waste. The purpose of this report is not to carry out detailed life-cycle analysis (LCA) of any of the alternatives that may be possible in Ireland, although it has drawn on information or data that is available and relevant to the alternatives considered by it.
View the full report HERE

After over a year’s work, the Renewable Energy Ireland (REI) Renewable Heat Plan, 40by30, a roadmap to an Ireland where 40 per cent of our heat can come from renewables by 2030, has been published today.  This report has been developed by XD consulting on behalf of Renewable Energy Ireland. IrBEA are one of the main sponsors of the report and has acted in an administrative role on behalf of Renewable Energy Ireland for the development of this report. This Renewable Heat Plan will assist our lobbying efforts to encourage Minister Ryan and his department officials to adopt an ambitious 40% targets for renewable heat in the upcoming revision of the Climate Action Plan similar to the way the 70/30 report resulted in an ambitious target for the renewable electricity sector. There is a place for all renewable technologies and resources to be deployed in achieving this target. There is a particularly strong role for Bioenergy including solid biomass and biogas / biomethane given that bioenergy heating solutions can be deployed across all sectors and all temperature ranges. If you have any feedback and comments on the report or would like to discuss any aspect of it further please do not hesitate to get in touch with Seán Finan IrBEA CEO [email protected]
Link to report: https://renewableenergyireland.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Renewable-Energy-Ireland_Renewable-Heat-Plan_-Final.pdf

Moisture content is an important factor to consider when buying firewood in Ireland. The moisture content of firewood is the amount of water present in the wood, and it can have a significant impact on the performance of the firewood.

​When buying firewood, it's important to look for wood that has a moisture content of less than 20%. This is considered to be the ideal moisture content for firewood, as it will burn more efficiently and produce less smoke and creosote.
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To ensure that you're getting dry firewood, it's best to buy firewood that has been seasoned for at least six months. Seasoned firewood has had time to dry out, which will make it burn more efficiently and produce less smoke and creosote.

In Ireland, firewood should be stored in a dry place, protected from rain. Buying firewood that is stored in a shed or under a tarp is a good indication that it is dry. Avoid buying firewood that is stored outside or in a damp area, as this can indicate that the firewood has a high moisture content.

In conclusion, moisture content is a crucial factor to consider when buying firewood in Ireland. Look for firewood with a moisture content of less than 20%, and ensure that it has been seasoned for at least six months before buying.