Press Release: The Irish Bioenergy Association elects Maurice Ryan of Green Belt as its new president

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For Immediate Release:

16/12/2024

The Irish Bioenergy Association elects Maurice Ryan of Green Belt as its new president

The Council of the Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA) has elected Maurice Ryan, the business development director at Green Belt as the organisation’s new president. Maurice has served as the association’s vice president and takes over as president from Paddy Phelan, CEO at the Southeast Energy Agency, following his completion of the maximum 5-year term. Paddy will move to the role of company secretary, taking over from Padraic O’Neill who is also stepping down. Ger Crosse, the commercial director at WoodCo Energy takes up the position of IrBEA vice president.

Maurice Ryan, Green Belt and new IrBEA President said: “I am delighted to accept this role, to lead IrBEA and work with the members and wider stakeholder for the betterment, growth and further development of the bioenergy sector in Ireland. With negotiations commenced on a programme for Government, this is a pivotal time for enhanced Government recognition for bioenergy, presenting itself as an opportunity to be embraced. There is also significant potential and role for forestry and timber production as valuable income drivers in rural communities. It is incumbent on the new government to drive the forestry program, to increase the land availability for forestry and woodland development and work towards attaining our climate targets. The solid biomass & wood fuels, biogas & biomethane, biofuel, biochar and energy crop sectors are crucial to help householders and energy users to move away from dependence on fossil fuels to sustainable, locally produced bioenergy sources which will reduce emissions and address energy security while driving rural and economic development.”

Seán Finan, Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA) CEO said: “I would like to congratulate Maurice Ryan on his election as IrBEA president, Ger Crosse as vice president and Paddy Phelan as company secretary. I look forward to working with Maurice, Ger and Paddy in their new roles. On behalf of the members and broader bioenergy sector, I would like to acknowledge the immense and significant contribution that Paddy Phelan has made through his work as IrBEA president over the last 5 years. All involved in IrBEA appreciate the time and efforts that Paddy has put into the role and for being a strong advocate for the bioenergy and the broader renewable energy sector. Warmest thanks and appreciation for our outgoing company secretary Padraic O’Neill, whose steady hand, over many years has ensured the smooth, successful operation and running of the association on behalf of members. On behalf of the membership and the executive team, I extend a sincere gratitude for his works and efforts.”

Finan continued: “Some of the key priorities for IrBEA in 2025 include:

  • Continue to service a growing and expanding membership across all the bioenergy sectors through lobbying, advocacy, knowledge transfer, technical support, communications and training as vital services for the membership.
  • Enhanced policy, support and recognition of solid, liquid and gaseous bioenergy in policy and decarbonisation plans at all levels.
  • Advocate for the development of the Irish biogas/biomethane sector and the policy and market conditions necessary to attract investment to drive the implementation of the biomethane strategy.
  • The introduction of the renewable heat obligation  scheme to drive the market for indigenously produced bioenergy
  • Increased enforcement by local authorities and state agencies of the solid fuel regulations to secure the long-term future of the wood fuel sector in Ireland.
  • Growth and development of the indigenous biofuel and biogas/biomethane production sector in both transport and heat through obligation scheme, other policy measures and supports.
  • Lobby for the introduction of robust measures and action by the Irish Government which address the sustainability and traceability issues with non-EU sourced biofuels and feedstocks which are currently impacting significantly on indigenous biogas and biofuel producers.
  • Monitor development in the area of the carbon dioxide removal framework and carbon farming initiative to ensure biochar and bioenergy are recognised through the evolving policy.
  • Work with state agencies, energy users, partners and key stakeholders for the further growth, support and development of solid biomass as a renewable heating solution for domestic, commercial and industrial energy users through the use of sustainable forest management material and specified biomass.
  • Continue to advocate and promote enhanced research and development activities and the importance of collaboration with and between stakeholders.”

ENDS.

For Further Information Contact: Seán Finan IrBEA CEO on 087 4146480

Notes to Editors:

About Maurice Ryan MBA – IrBEA President

Maurice Ryan is the Director of Business Development for Green Belt, Ireland’s largest private forestry management group. Green Belt is your natural environment and forestry management expert. Green Belt provides professional services nationally through a network of foresters. Green Belt can manage your harvest, establishment, replanting and provide a structured plan for your lands and portfolio.