Irish consult Edinburgh experts

Micheál Martin with Napier PhD student Julie Watson

The Irish Government is learning from Edinburgh scientists about research and development into biofuel.

Napier University's Biofuel Research Centre has hosted an official visit by Micheál Martin, Ireland's Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

The Taoiseach last month said he would be investing "in the order of £160m in energy related research and development over the coming years".

The minister wants to make renewable energy one of Ireland's priorities.

Mr Martin is looking to Napier's biofuel research as an example of best practice in the field.

The pioneering work being carried out here in Edinburgh represents an exciting path forward towards addressing the tough challenges we must face Micheál Martin Ireland's Minister for Enterprise

The minister met professor Joan Stringer, Napier's principal and vice-chancellor, for a tour of the centre and to learn about some other key research initiatives at the university.

Mr Martin, a former Irish minister for health who was best known for introducing the world's first national smoking ban, is now looking to renewables to further Ireland's economic growth.

Mr Martin said: "I am very pleased to have had the opportunity to visit this world-class biofuel research facility at Napier University.

"In Ireland, we are committed to addressing our high dependence on fossil fuels and to tackling our greenhouse gas emissions.

"The pioneering work being carried out here in Edinburgh represents an exciting path forward towards addressing the tough challenges we must face."