133. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there is a minimum setback distance for anaerobic digestors, similar to wind turbines; if so, the distance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39210/24]

The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, has responsibility for the overall development of national planning policy and legislation.

Anaerobic digestors require an application for planning permission in accordance with section 34 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended. This ensures that planning authorities can give proper consideration to a range of factors, including location, visual impact, land-zoning plans, and ecology.

There are no specific requirements set out under planning policy and legislation in relation to anaerobic digestors, therefore it is a matter for the relevant planning authority to consider each application on a case by case basis.

However, as committed to in the published National Biomethane Strategy which was published by my colleagues the Minister for Environment Climate and Communications and the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in May 2024, the Biomethane Implementation Group is to develop guidelines to support planning authorities when assessing planning applications for anaerobic digestors and biorefineries.