Ruairí Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

112. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government 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. [47687/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

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), which promotes the adoption of AD technology and fuel for non-domestic heat purposes.

Government has committed to supporting ambitious production of indigenously produced biomethane. A first step to realising this objective 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 a combination of a Renewable Heat Obligation Scheme and 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 AD 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.

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 practice guidelines to maximise the benefits of AD, while minimising its environmental impact on 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 www.gov.ie.