InformBio, led by Munster Technological University (MTU) in collaboration with Teagasc, University of Galway and the Central Statistics Office (CSO), has reached a key milestone with the expansion of a mapping and modelling tool with Irish biological raw materials or biomass.

The expansion of this tool will contribute towards advancing Ireland’s circular bioeconomy by quantifying the potential of the bioeconomy to contribute to Ireland’s climate and sustainability targets.

Over the past two years InformBio has expanded the number of biomasses that the database maps and models, helping scientists, policymakers, and industry to make smart decisions that benefit both the environment and society.

Biomass

InformBio has estimated biomass arising from four main sectors:

  • Agriculture (pulses, tillage, grasses, horticulture, energy and other crops, livestock manure);
  • Forestry (forest stock arisings, harvesting and processing arisings, naturally generated arisings);
  • Industry and urban wastes (meat and dairy industry; brewing, distilling, and cider-making industries; urban wastes);
  • Marine sector (aquaculture, landings, and seaweed harvesting sector.

At a webinar as part of Bioeconomy Ireland Week 2024, the InformBio team demonstrated the mapping and modelling tool and its potential to contribute to meeting Ireland’s targets.

The tool and its data are now accessible to Irish bioeconomy stakeholders through the InformBio website.

Researcher in the Circular Bioeconomy Research Group at MTU, Carmen Giron Dominguez, said: “Ireland possesses a diverse and substantial biomass resource base across the agriculture, forestry, industrial, urban waste, and marine sectors.

“The comprehensive mapping and quantification of these resources highlight the country’s potential to advance a circular bioeconomy. 

“These resources boost the integration of accurate and up-to-date biomass data into policy and industry practices, crucial for sustainable natural resource management, offering both environmental and societal benefits.

“By effectively managing and utilising the Irish biomass resources, Ireland can significantly contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving climate neutrality by 2050,” she added.

This project aims to position Ireland as a front-runner among EU member states, by developing a prototype national bioeconomy monitoring system, enabling Ireland to track the development and progress of the bioeconomy against key indicators.

InformBio is funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM).