The Green Party is campaigning for the development of a bio-refinery in Carlow. It is important for many reasons including:

• Replace the jobs lost because of the closure of the Sugar Factory.
• Give farmers an opportunity to grow crops for bio-fuels
• Help us comply with the Kyoto Protocol to lower greenhouse gas emissions

• Biofuels - What are they?
• Biofuels are Diesel Fuel made from oilseeds OR
• Petrol replaced by Ethanol made from corn, sugar, grain or even straw or waste.
• Biofuels are here to stay and they are starting to change energy markets.

Can our cars really run on crops grown on Irish farms?
Yes they can! And the European Union has targets of 2% of biofuel use in transport and heating by 2005 rising to 5.75% by 2010 .

We have the expertise to grow the crops and we have a work force skilled in working with crops such as sugar beet and wheat.

Would the emissions be lower than those in diesel and petrol?
Yes a decrease in emissions of approximately 55% of carbon monoxide. This would help us meet the requirements of the Kyoto Protocol

What countries are currently using biofuels for transportation?
Brazil and France are leading the way and many countries have removed excise duty to help the development of the sector. Spain, Finland, Germany the Czech Republic and Sweden have all removed excise duty from biofuels

What is holding up the development of this new industry?
A number of countries have since used the opportunity to largely exempt their biodeiesel and bioethanol fuels from energy taxes. Ireland only allows excise duty exemptions on targeted pilot projects. As a result of this, the biofuel industry in Ireland cannot compete against heavily subsidised imported fossil fuels.

Why are Biodiesel and Bioethanol good for Ireland?
Energy costs are increasing. We need biofuels now to cut heating and motoring costs.

Supporting the development of the renewable fuel sector will support farmers in Ireland giving them a new market for their crops. It would copper fasten local jobs in Ireland and could be at the heart of a new and exciting industry which would give Irish people great pride in developing a totally new renewable energy sector.

The Green Party is actively trying to get a bioethanol plant into Carlow to cut those very costs and give huge employment in the local economy. The Party is also supporting the development of biodiesel projects throughout Ireland