Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)

Ireland is recognised as having one of the greatest potentials for biomethane in Europe per capita due to our substantial agricultural sector. The Government's target of producing 5.7 TWh of indigenous biomethane by 2030, which is a little over 10% of our current natural gas use, will remain a Government commitment. The Deputy will know that an Irish anaerobic digestion and methane sector will bring highly significant benefits to the Irish economy, to our energy security and climate targets.

The Deputy asked for a timeline. I cannot give a timeline, I do not have it here, but I did say already that guidelines are being developed by the biomethane implementation group. I can certainly pass on the Deputy's request to the relevant Minister. The Deputy also mentioned about the type of waste. By using sustainably produced feedstocks, including grass silage, animal slurries and food waste resources, we will increase our circular bioeconomy, helping to build resilience in our local biological resources and environment.

It is recognised that these AD plants are significant infrastructure and, as the Deputy quite rightly said, require a full planning and permitting process to ensure consideration of a range of factors, many of which he mentioned. These include location, visual impact, land zoning plans, ecology, and the Deputy mentioned the economies, etc. As such, a key priority is the development of centralised planning guidelines for AD plants to support our local authorities. When finalised, these will be available on the biomethane information hub.

As I said, I do not have a timeframe but I will certainly pass on the request to the Minister.

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