Dungannon farmer goes green after securing £180,000 biomass loan

Gregory Daly has become one of the first to benefit from the bank’s Biomass Energy Loan Scheme, which allowed him to invest in a renewable energy system at his poultry farm in September 2014.

The system, he said has improved energy efficiency at his farm, while delivering additional welfare benefits for the birds through enhanced environmental surroundings.

And, as a sustainable system will also deliver on-going financial benefits through lower fuel and maintenance costs.

Gregory - who began poultry farming nine years ago – uses the system to heat three poultry houses which accommodate 70,000 birds. He also has solar PV panels installed on his farm which contribute 20% to his business’s electricity needs.

Speaking about the investment, Mr Daly said: “I approached First Trust Bank when I heard they fund energy efficiency schemes, as well as having a dedicated fund for supporting agriculture based businesses.

“I’ve been very impressed at how the new heating system is performing and how easy securing investment and the installation process was. I think after a few years with this new system I will certainly be considering further expansion.”

Shay O’Neill, Poultry Manager at First Trust added: “Gregory is a very progressive Moy Park grower, and someone who has built a strong sustainable business in only nine years.

“First Trust Bank’s leading scheme for Moy Park farmers has recently been expanded to incorporate biomass energy heating systems, and is a great way for farmers like Gregory to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels, and ultimately drive down costs and modernise their operations.”