Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Energy policy formation, is the direct responsibility of the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC). The Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine (DAFM) does however continuously engage with DECC on all energy related matters from an agricultural perspective, as well as a wide range of industry and other stakeholder groupings.

While it is not within the remit of my Department to set energy specific targets for the agricultural sector- renewable technology usage, such as Solar PV, is further supported through the provision of grant aid under the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS II). This scheme continues to support our farmers in maximising their contribution to the production of renewable energy through the installation of mainly roof-top Solar PV technology along with battery storage on Irish farms across the country.

DAFM continues to directly support research, development and demonstration in the area of renewable technology in a number of sector specific beneficial ways.

With direct reference to biogas, DAFM, supports two projects of particular importance which have received part-funding from this Department through the European Innovation Partnerships (EIP) initiative, as part of the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020. The Bio-refinery Glas (small scale farmer-led green bio-refineries) and Irish Bio-energy Association (IrBEA) (small biogas demonstration programme) have both been awarded funding of over €900,000 each and upon completion will provide valuable information of specific relevance to Irish farmers.

Engagement with interested stakeholders, including farmers and farm organisations has been further strengthened through the current DECC-led public consultation on the Introduction of a Renewable Heat Obligation which will further enhance the demand and consequent feasibility of the developing Biogas industry in Ireland.