By Chris Ashmore

The switch from oil to wood has begun - and the Finn Valley could be to the forefront of an expanding forestry sector that could create a significant number of jobs as well as boosting local incomes.
Donegal now has the highest number of wood fuel installations in commercial properties in the Republic of Ireland - and is set to lead the way in developing wood projects in the future.
With oil prices continuing to soar, using wood as an alternative source of energy for heating has suddenly become very attractive.
And it’s not just big businesses that are cashing in, an increasing number of homeowners are now looking at wood pellet burners.
Indeed, anyone using wood could slash their home heating fuel bills in half, the Finn Valley Post can reveal.
According to Aoife Smith, Co-ordinator of the Forest Link Project - which is funded by the Department of Agriculture and Donegal Co. Council - the cost of a tonne of wood chips is now in the region of €110. Four tonnes gives the same output as 1,000 litres of oil.
With a 1,000 litre fill of home heating oil now costing around €900, wood can how work out at around half the price.
Grant aid for large scale wood burners is available from Sustainable Energy Ireland. Among the major concerns that have installed wood fuel burners for heating are Jackson’s Hotel and the Villa Rose Hotel in Ballybofey, the new Solis Lough Eske Hotel, the €20m Letterkenny Leisure Centre, and the Letterkenny Cultural Centre.
Stressing the importance for the council to take a pro-active role, she expressed the hope that it the future there could be community district heating schemes with several houses heated from one burner.
She also spoke of a big increase in the demand for wood from Donegal producers., and expressed confidence that the development of our timber industry can lead to a significant number of new jobs being created, while also lessening our dependence on imported and fossil fuels.
“We have major potential to explore a job creating opportunity,” remarked Garry Martin of the Council’s Enterprise and Community Development unit.