Planning guidelines for biomethane plants urgently needed – Lynch

There is a clear need for the Minister for the Environment to publish national guidelines on the locations of biomethane plants, said a Fine Gael Senator.

Senator Eileen Lynch has called for the urgent introduction of planning guidelines for suitable locations for biogas and biomethane plants as part of the National Biomethane Strategy.

“Biomethane has enormous potential to be a cornerstone of Ireland’s transition to a low-carbon economy. It is a renewable, homegrown energy source that helps us cut greenhouse gas emissions and provides a productive use for farm and food waste. The National Biomethane Strategy does not provide any guidance for best practice in the location of biomethane plants.

“There is a huge opportunity for counties like Cork, with our strong and diverse agricultural sector, where farmers are looking for sustainable ways to futureproof their livelihoods to be a centre for these facilities.

“As well as energy potential there is also the potential for the use of the digestate as an organic fertiliser, an alternative to mineral fertilisers.

“Appropriate locations must be the guiding principle here. At the moment, there is no national guidance on where biomethane plants should be located. This is leading to confusion, frustration, and legitimate concern—particularly from communities living near proposed sites, many of whom feel they are being left in the dark; especially when consultation is at best lacking and at worst non-existent.

“In Cork, we’ve already seen tension emerge when there is a lack of information on this. In some areas, proposed locations have raised serious questions about road access, residential proximity, and environmental impact.

“I welcome the Ministers reassurance that planning guidelines are a priority under the strategy and will be developed by the Biomethane Implementation Group, but this needs to be progressed swiftly and treated with the urgency which it deserves,” concluded Senator Lynch.