Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 May 2026
282. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the funding options and support mechanisms that are currently available or are being developed to assist local authorities and dairy farmers in establishing anaerobic digestion facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35284/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra283. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the assessment that has been made of the potential for anaerobic digestion to enhance Ireland's prospects in terms of its emission targets for 2030 and beyond; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35285/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra284. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if consideration will be given to designating specific regions such as Offaly as pilot areas for the demonstration of anaerobic digestion possibilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35286/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra285. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the specific strategies that are being considered to facilitate and promote anaerobic digestion production within rural counties such as Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35287/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 282, 283, 284 and 285 together.
To assist in the achievement of Irelands national and EU climate and energy targets Government has committed to support the ambitious delivery of 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.
Delivery of indigenously produced biomethane 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 sectors including energy, agriculture and enterprise.
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 the delivery of the 25 key strategic actions to ensure the necessary infrastructure and supports are in place to aid development of an indigenous biomethane industry of scale.
In addition to the National Biomethane Strategy, as the primary policy document for the development of biomethane plants in Ireland, the Biomethane Environmental Sustainability Charter has also been developed and is available on the Gov.ie website. The Charter outlines the scope and vision for the biomethane sector, and best practices that participants in the industry should adhere to during plant design, construction and operational phases of production.
A subgroup of the Biomethane Implementation Group has also been established to develop a support document for Local Authorities when assessing Anaerobic Digester planning applications. This document will be completed in 2026. The sustainability requirements under the Renewable Energy Directive will need to be stringently adhered to in all funded projects
As a newly emerging market, it has been well documented that the Irish biomethane sector will require support to stimulate early growth in the industry. A combination of capital grants and the introduction of the Renewable Heat Obligation (RHO) has been agreed by Government to put Ireland on a trajectory to meeting our 2030 ambition.
The RHO will drive demand for biomethane in the heating sector and stimulate domestic production of biomethane. The RHO Heads of Bill were approved by Government and drafting of the RHO legislation is currently underway.
Funding of up to €200m for a second round of capital grants has been secured through the NDP/ICNF (Infrastructure, Nature and Climate Fund) process. My Department is now in the initial stages of putting the grant scheme in place, which will be available to support the development of anaerobic digestion plants in Ireland from late 2026. Support will be provided on a nationwide basis and it is not envisaged that a pilot programme will be rolled out to specific regions for the demonstration of anaerobic digestion opportunities at this time.
