There is "huge potential" for the development of bioenergy in the midlands, however, the lack of technological infrastructure in the area needs to be a priority, Sinn Féin TD for Longford-Westmeath, Sorca Clarke has said.

Connectivity is vital to attract companies that would have the potential to participate in the Midlands Bioenergy Development Project, according to Deputy Clarke.

The project aims to encourage the development of new bioenergy start-ups in the midlands. It is coordinated and implemented by the Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA), and co-funded by the government's National Just Transition Fund (JTF).

Deputy Clarke was speaking after the recent in-person launch of the project at the Tuar Ard Arts and Enterprise Centre in Moate, Co. Westmeath.

The event was the first of a series of engagements with project stakeholders, including bioenergy business advisors; county councils; local enterprise boards; and representatives of the education and training-board sector.

Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), Pippa Hackett gave the government's key note address. Just Transition commissioner, Kieran Mulvey also spoke at the project launch.

The project seeks to connect the bioenergy sector with state supports to create business and job opportunities, through training and mentoring in the JTF region.

Potential apprenticeships in the bioenergy sector were also addressed at the event, according to Deputy Clarke who attended the in-person launch. She commented:

"Investment is needed to ensure there is enough capacity to take in apprentices in the area," according to Deputy Clarke.

The development of bioenergy involves matters such as energy costs and security; local enterprise; climate action; environment; agriculture; and transport, project executive, Pádraic Ó hUiginn said.

"Bioenergy covers a number of technology types and can provide sustainable and renewable substitutes for fossil fuels in electricity, heat and transport," according to Ó hUiginn.

He added that proven technologies are already available and deployed in other EU member states, as well as in Ireland.

The Midlands Bioenergy Development Project aims to achieve the following benefits:

The IrBEA plans to hold localised meetings at the end of this year, seeking potential enterprises in the region to apply for mentoring and training as part of the project.