83. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update on the implementation of the national biomethane strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6797/25]

Sentiment score: 0.01

Could the Minister give an update on his Department's progress on the implementation of the national biomethane strategy that was published in May of last year? In particular, could he give an outline of when producers will get some certainty regarding the renewable heat obligation, RHO?

Sentiment score: 0.34

Ireland has a real opportunity to grow an industry that will help us to cut our carbon emissions and also provide new income streams for farmers and across rural areas. Biomethane can replace diesel and other fossil fuels in transport and industry, allowing us to cut those emissions. As we know, we have a significant supply of agricultural waste and silage which can be converted into biomethane, benefiting rural economies. We need to support this sector. There is a need for capital funding to support the development of anaerobic digestion facilities. The Minister mentioned a small amount there. His predecessor had proposed that €300 million from the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund would be reserved specifically for this area to give real certainty to those considering investing in biomethane facilities. The Minister's party and Fine Gael blocked that at the end of the last Government; what is done is done. In his new role, will the Minister commit to fighting for at least €300 million to provide the capital to develop those essential anaerobic digestion facilities, so that we can cut our emissions and provide more income streams in rural areas?

Sentiment score: 0.12

Undoubtedly every Department will be looking to get their hands on that money. That is why I want to hear that the Minister will fight for at least €300 million. That is why we thought it would have been better to state that this money will be there for an industry that is in its infancy and that needs clarity and certainty. As that certainty is not there, the sooner the Minister gets in there to say that this is the amount of money available, the sooner that clarity will be available for the industry. The Minister said that there would be engagement with the Commission on this soon. One of the real threats to our domestic biomethane industry is hydrotreated vegetable oil, HVO, being imported and used as a substitute. This is problematic because it is palm oil. We are seeing biodiversity destroyed to have these large plantations, which goes against biodiversity targets and is undermining domestic production. What will Ireland do to protect our domestic biomethane industry and not allow it to be undermined by imported and sometimes fraudulently marketed HVO?

Sentiment score: -0.02