Ryan O'Meara (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)
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192. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will report on the Biomethane Implementation Groups progress to date regarding the development of the anaerobic digestion industry in Ireland; if he will report on its work to develop planning guidelines to support local authorities when assessing anaerobic digestor plant planning applications; what assessment factors they aim to include in these guidelines; the agencies and Departments involved; the timeline for the implementation of these guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13360/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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In line with the agreed Sectoral Emissions Ceilings, Government has committed to supporting the production of up to 5.7TWh of indigenously produced biomethane by 2030. A first step to realising this ambition was the publication of the National Biomethane Strategy which sets out twenty-five key strategic actions and outlines the necessary supports needed to drive growth across the biomethane sector. Chaired by my Department, the Biomethane Implementation Group will oversee implementation of the strategy and monitor overall target delivery.

Anaerobic Digestors (AD), used to produce biomethane, can bring significant benefits to the communities and the local environment in which they are located but they are also significant infrastructure with impacts on the environment, biospheres, and local communities. AD and other integrated assets are, therefore, correctly required to undergo a planning process to ensure proper consideration of a range of factors, including location, visual impact, land-zoning plans, and ecology.

Delivery of the 5.7TWh target will require significant resourcing in key Government Agencies, particularly in specialist areas such as planning and environmental assessment. The availability of professional advisors, such as planners and environmental specialists, will also be a critical requirement.

Priority deliverables under the Strategy include Actions 5f and 5g which will see the development of planning guidelines to support Local Authorities when assessing AD-related planning applications, and a review of the resourcing requirements of key Government Agencies to support development of the industry. Delivery of these actions will be overseen by the Biomethane Implementation Group and in collaboration with key Departments and Agencies.