Ryan O'Meara (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)
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458. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he is concerned about the level of access to training available to planners and associated staff in local authorities with regard to the standards and frameworks used in the assessment of biogas plant developments nationally, especially considering a national planning framework would be seen as the typical practice internationally, rather than leaving it to individual local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35454/25]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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My Department established the Office of the Planning Regulator (OPR) in April 2019. In accordance with the provisions of Section 31Q(1) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (the Act), as amended, the OPR conducts education and training programmes for members of planning authorities and regional assemblies in respect of the role of such members under the Act in relation to matters associated with proper planning and sustainable development.

The OPR, in conjunction with the Association of Irish Local Government (AILG), is currently involved in delivering a planning training programme, which is specifically tailored for the elected members of planning authorities. The OPR intends that this programme will provide enhanced knowledge of the planning process, with a specific focus on the role and responsibilities of the democratically elected members.

The OPR’s training programme focuses on facilitating the delivery of Continuous Professional Development for decision makers in the planning process, in tandem with driving national research and public information programmes. Working in conjunction with other bodies the OPR identifies training knowledge gaps and plans relevant training events, enabling local authorities to demonstrate compliance with Domestic and European Legislation.

With regard to biogas developments, the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment has advised that while Anaerobic Digestors (AD), used to produce biomethane, can bring significant benefits to the communities and local environment in which they are located, they are also significant infrastructure, with impacts on the environment, biospheres, and local communities. Priority deliverables under the National Biomethane Strategy include actions 5f and 5g, which will see the development of planning guidelines to support local authorities when assessing AD plants with planning applications, and a review of resourcing requirements of key Government Agencies to support development of the industry. These actions will be delivered through collaboration among key Departments and Agencies.