The Minister of State for Forestry, Tom Hayes TD, presented certificates to a number of firms newly certified under the Wood Fuel Quality Assurance Scheme.

The certificates were handed out at the Ploughing Championships at Ratheniska, Co Laois, which is run by the Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA).

The scheme covers Wood Logs, Wood Briquettes, Wood Pellets and Wood Chip. Certified wood fuel suppliers are compliant with the latest European standards.

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The Minister said: "I am glad to be here today to present four companies new to the Wood Fuel Quality Scheme with the certificates. Wood fuel production from forests is an expanding activity across the country. It is important to provide consumers with good quality logs, chips and pellets, so we can grow the wood fuel market as a clean, climate friendly source of heat and power.

"My Department supports the scheme as part of our commitment to fostering forest-based jobs and developing rural economies. In that regard last year saw a 14% increase in the use of forest-based fuels. The firewood market alone is now worth over €33 million, per year, with much of the fuel coming from first thinning of grant-aided forest plantations."

(CD/JP)