Erin McGreehan (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

161. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government his policy regarding supporting and financially assisting agri-based biomethane plants across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60651/25]

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

Extensive analysis was carried out as part of the development of the National Biomethane Strategy to determine the necessary interventions needed to support development of the sector, and deliver in line with Government ambition by 2030. This analysis included engagement with key Government Departments and wider stakeholders, including in the transport sector.

As outlined in the strategy, Government agreed to the provision of two capital grant support programmes, and the introduction of the Renewable Heat Obligation, which will put Ireland on a trajectory to delivering a strong indigenous biomethane industry.

Budget 2026 demonstrates the Government's commitment to accelerate Ireland’s energy transition and underpin Ireland’s transition to a net-zero future. The €500 million allocation for my Department, under the Infrastructure Climate and Nature Fund in the revised National Development Plan for 2026-2030, will be delivered across a number of programmes which will accelerate the diversification and decarbonisation of Ireland’s energy system, including the development of our newly emerging national biomethane market. Further detail on programme allocations will be announced shortly.

Erin McGreehan (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

162. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the timeline for the full implementation of the National Biomethane Strategy, including when the Biomethane Implementation Group will publish an operational delivery plan. [60661/25]

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

Delivery of the Government's ambitious target for indigenous biomethane by 2030, and its use within our energy system, will have multiple cross-sectoral benefits for Ireland’s economy, energy security and emissions profile. As such, development of the industry will require a coherent and collaborative approach to policy implementation across all relevant sectors including energy, agriculture and enterprise.

The Biomethane Implementation Group has been established to oversee implementation of the National Biomethane Strategy and delivery of the 25 key strategic actions to ensure the necessary infrastructure and supports are in place to support development of an indigenous biomethane industry of scale.

Chaired by my Department, with close support from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the group reports directly to the Heat and Built Environment Taskforce on on-going progress and is comprised of a number of focused sub-groups, namely: Industry, Sustainability, Infrastructure and Economic Issues. Membership of the group includes key Government Departments and Agencies, and industry representatives.

The group continues to engage with action owners and key stakeholders to monitor implementation and a full progress report on delivery of actions within the National Biomethane Strategy is now published on the biomethane policy information page on the Gov.ie website.

Erin McGreehan (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

163. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide an update on progress toward the target of producing 5.7 TWh of biomethane by 2030; and the current number of operational anaerobic digestion plants connected to the gas grid. [60662/25]

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

Biomethane production is still at an early stage of development in Ireland, with only two operational biomethane facilities injecting biomethane into the gas grid. The volume of biomethane injected into the grid in 2023 was small, equating to approximately 60 GWh per annum, which is equivalent to 0.001% of Ireland’s current gas demand.

The Government is committed to supporting the development of a domestic biomethane industry of scale and the Biomethane Implementation Group, chaired by my Department, continues to oversee implementation of the National Biomethane Strategy and monitor target delivery. The Renewable Heat Obligation Scheme (RHO) will drive demand for biomethane in the heating sector and stimulate domestic production of biomethane. The Heads of Bill for the RHO were approved by Government on 15 July this year. In addition, my Department is also working on putting capital grants in place from 2026 to support the development of anaerobic digestion (AD) plants in Ireland.

In response to these announcements, there is significant movement in this sector with a number of AD plants commencing construction or upgrades to biogas plants for biomethane production.

Erin McGreehan (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

164. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government when national planning guidelines for anaerobic digestion and biomethane facilities will be published to ensure consistency and certainty for local authorities and developers. [60663/25]

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

Government has committed to deliver an ambitious target for indigenously produced biomethane by 2030. In response, my Department, in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, published the National Biomethane Strategy in May 2024.

Anaerobic digestion (AD), although a very well-established technology in Europe with over 20,000 plants in operation, is a relatively new and unknown technology in Ireland. Implementation of the National Biomethane Strategy is an on-going process of collaboration across key Government Departments and Agencies. The Biomethane Implementation Group has been established to oversee implementation of the strategy and delivery of the 25 key strategic actions to ensure the necessary infrastructure and supports are in place to support development of an indigenous biomethane industry of scale. A full progress report on delivery of actions within the National Biomethane Strategy is now published on the biomethane policy information page on Gov.ie website.

While Anaerobic Digestors, used to produce biomethane, can bring significant benefits to the communities and local environment in which they are located, they are also significant infrastructure which impacts local communities. Priority deliverables under the strategy include developing guidelines to support Local Authorities when assessing AD plants with planning applications. These guidelines will be delivered through collaboration among relevant Departments and Agencies.

The Irish biomethane sector is already a well-regulated sector. Planning permission, licences and permits are required from a number of Agencies, for example, environmental licences are required from the Environmental Protection Agency, with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine responsible for animal-by-product licence and feedstock regulation. Onsite health and safety and connection to the gas network is regulated through the Health and Safety Authority, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities and Gas Networks Ireland respectively.

AD and other integrated assets are required to undergo a full planning process to ensure proper consideration of a range of factors, including location, visual impact, land-zoning plans, and ecology. Guidelines and requirements for these are currently set out through several acts, policy documents, spatial strategies, and development plans. Projects above a certain threshold are also required to complete an Environmental Impact Assessment.

Erin McGreehan (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

165. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the steps being taken to ensure methane leakage monitoring and environmental safeguards are embedded in all biomethane projects supported by the State. [60664/25]

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

In line with the agreed sectoral emissions ceilings, Government has committed to supporting an ambitious target for indigenously produced biomethane annually by 2030. 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 delivery of the strategy.

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 strategy include assessing the development of best practice guidelines around methane leakage suitable for the biomethane sector in Ireland. This will be delivered through collaboration among relevant Departments and Agencies.

AD and other integrated assets are required to undergo a full planning process to ensure proper consideration of a range of factors, including location, visual impact, land-zoning plans, and ecology. Guidelines and requirements for these are currently set out through several acts, policy documents, spatial strategies, and development plans. Projects above a certain threshold are also required to complete an Environmental Impact Assessment.