Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 July 2026
335. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views that the absence of national planning guidelines for anaerobic digestion and biomethane facilities risks producing inconsistent decisions across local authorities and An Coimisiún Pleanála; the steps he is taking to ensure a coherent national planning framework for such facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50431/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe key policy remit for anaerobic digestion and biomethane is the responsibility of the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, who chair the Biomethane Implementation Group and Biomethane Strategy Implementation Sub-Group.
Planning authorities must have regard to Government policy in making a decision on a planning application. The SEAI, which falls under the Aegis of DCEE, has published a technology guide for Anaerobic digesters, which can be accessed at: https://singlepointofcontact.seai.ie/sites/spoc/files/2025-11/Anaerobic-Digestion-Manual-SEAI.pdf.
Measure 5g in the Ireland’s National Biomethane Strategy proposes to develop guidelines to support local authorities when assessing AD and biorefinery planning applications. My Department will work closely with DCEE with the regards to the planning aspects of any such guidance.
