Speedy implementation of National Bio-methane Strategy will determine its true value to Ireland - MEP Kelleher

“While today is a major milestone for Ireland as the Government publishes its first ever national bio-methane strategy, it must be followed up with investment, speedy planning decisions and certainty for farmers if it is to have any real value for Ireland,” said Fianna Fáil MEP Billy Kelleher.

“While this strategy is very welcome, it was always a no-brainer to me for Ireland to get actively involved in Anaerobic Digestion (AD).  We are already far behind most other similarly-sized countries such as Denmark.

“The requirement to build at least 200 AD units will be a massive undertaking. I’ve met with the owners and operators of a number of existing AD facilities in Ireland and they speak consistently about the planning and regulatory headaches they must deal on a consistent basis,

“Setting out a strategy is only the first part. Ireland is really good at publishing strategies but we need to be honest with ourselves, we aren’t very good at implementing them.

As of now, Ireland will struggle to meet its 2030 climate target. As a State, we simply place too many unnecessary barriers in front of progress in my opinion. The Public Good is never prioritised.

“This can’t be allowed to happen with the bio-methane strategy. It’s too important for our climate and too important for our agri-food sector.

“Funding must be made available, the planning system and community-level NIMBYism must not be allowed to scupper developments and progress, and farmers must be offered guaranteed incomes to give them tje confidence to allow their land to be used as part of the overall process.

“A properly functioning bio-methane sector in Ireland can be transformative and can play a major role in securing the continuation of our Nitrates Derogation in the dairy industry.

“For years, I’ve called for Ireland to get its act together on bio-methane from AD. We have a plan now; there is no time to waste. We must implement it as quickly as possible,” concluded Kelleher.

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