Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 February 2026
310. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to outline progress with respect to the implementation of the EU Methane Regulation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10300/26]
View answerThe EU Methane Regulation (EU) 2024/1787 entered into force on 4 August 2024 establishing a new EU legal framework for the measurement, reporting, and verification of methane emissions. The new rules require companies to measure and quantify their asset-level methane emissions at source and carry out surveys to detect and repair methane leaks.
The Regulation requires each Member State to appoint a competent authority, the role of which is central to the proper implementation of the Regulation. The competent authority will review reports received from operators detailing recorded measurements and potential leak and detection programmes. The competent authority is also expected to carry out periodic inspections to check the compliance of operators with the requirements set out in the Regulation.
My Department issued a letter dated 17 September 2025 to the EU Commission to notify the intention to appoint the EPA as Ireland’s designated competent authority. In addition, discussions have taken place between my Department, the EPA, and relevant stakeholders, concerning the implementation of the Regulation in Ireland. Those stakeholders include Geological Survey Ireland and Gas Networks Ireland.
