Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)

Priority deliverables under the biomethane strategy include the development of planning guidelines. Many communities, not just that of the Senator's in Cork, deserve the right to engage in the planning process so that there is extensive consultation, they have oversight of any environmental assessments being undertaken and that in respect of this engagement between the local authority and the developer if it is private, there is a community dividend in terms of a community fund being established for these key infrastructural projects because they are significant and have an impact on the environment, the biosphere and local communities. Therefore, it is only correct that they require and undergo the full planning and permit process to ensure considerations in a range of areas and factors, including location, visual impact, land zoning plans and ecology, are factored in. I will work with the Senator to expedite these guidelines over the next number of months to ensure there is a centralised plan across the country.