Erin McGreehan (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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331. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a dedicated advisory service for farmers engaging in anaerobic digestion projects will be established through Teagasc or other agencies. [60668/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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My Department, along with the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment are committed to supporting the development of the biomethane sector in Ireland. A key deliverable under the National Biomethane Strategy is the development of a Biomethane Sustainability Charter. This Charter is now published and outlines best practices for participants in the industry when engaging in plant design, construction and operational phases of production.

Digestate management and sustainable feedstock production are key elements of the Charter. Under these key principles, a number of commitments highlight best practice to ensure environmentally sustainable practices are in place for both plant operators and farmers.

Teagasc are currently undertaking research in this area including modelling the integration of Anaerobic Digestion into sustainable livestock farming systems and its economic viability. The research is also exploring methods to improve biomethane yield and nutrient recovery from digestate produced by Anaerobic Digestion plants.

My Department, will continue to support the upskilling of Irish farmers to meet the demands and avail of the opportunities that a developing Anaerobic Digestion industry in Ireland can deliver.