Ruairí Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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286. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government to outline the current grant schemes available for anaerobic digestion (AD); if enhancements to these grants are being considered; the guidelines for those considering AD, including to avoid displacement farming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43529/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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Anaerobic digestion (AD) harnesses natural bacteria to treat biodegradable materials to produce biogas. Biogas can be upgraded to sustainable biomethane which is fully compatible with the national gas network and existing appliances, technologies, and vehicles. It can seamlessly replace fossil gas to reduce emissions in industrial heating, transport, and power generation.

My Department has developed a number of schemes and initiatives designed to increase the energy generated from renewable sources, while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Ireland. These schemes include the grid scale, auction based Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) and the Support Scheme for Renewable Heat (SSRH). Both the RESS and SSRH schemes include AD for electricity generation with High Efficiency Combined Heat and Power as an eligible technology.

In terms of progressing towards remaining within the agreed sectoral emissions ceilings, Government has committed to supporting the production of up to 5.7 TWh of indigenously produced biomethane. A first step to realising this ambition was the publication of the National Biomethane Strategy which sets out 25 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 National Biomethane Strategy and target delivery.

As part of the National Biomethane Strategy, the chosen method to support the delivery of a biomethane sector in Ireland is through the Renewable Heat Obligation Scheme in conjunction with capital grants. The first round of capital grants was managed by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The second round of grant funding will be managed by my Department.

Development of an anaerobic digestion industry is at a nascent stage in Ireland. Anaerobic digestors, used to produce biomethane, can bring significant benefits to the communities and the local environment in which they are located, but are also significant infrastructure with impacts on the environment, biospheres, and local communities. AD and other integrated assets are, therefore, correctly subject to planning permission to ensure proper consideration of a range of factors, including location, visual impact, land-zoning plans, and ecology. A priority deliverable under the strategy is the development of planning guidelines to support Local Authorities when assessing AD plants' planning applications. These guidelines will be developed this year.

Another priority deliverable under the National Biomethane Strategy is the development of a Biomethane Sustainability Charter. Developed in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine, the charter sets out best practices guidelines to maximise the benefits of anaerobic digestion, while minimising its environmental impact to land use, water quality, and biodiversity, and ensuring high health and safety standards within the sector. Following a final phase of stakeholder engagement, my Department is now finalising the charter for publication shortly on Gov.ie.