96. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the current grant schemes available for anaerobic digestion, AD; if enhancements to these grants are being considered; the guidelines for those considering AD, including to avoid displacement farming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59687/26]

As a newly emerging market, the Irish biomethane sector will require support to stimulate early growth in the industry. A combination of capital grants and the introduction of the Renewable Heat Obligation (RHO) has been agreed by Government to put Ireland on a trajectory to meeting our 2030 ambition.

The RHO will drive demand for biomethane in the heating sector and stimulate domestic production of biomethane. The RHO Heads of Bill were approved by Government and drafting of the RHO legislation is currently under way.

Funding of up to €200m for a second round of capital grants has been secured through the updated National Development Plan process. My Department is in the process of developing the scheme in partnership and it is anticipated a market notice/expression of interest process will begin around the end of Q3 2026, with the full application process to start thereafter for all applicants that meet the relevant criteria. While my Department's capital grant scheme will be similar to that of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine's scheme, elements of the that scheme will be reviewed, for instance percentage level of grant, maximum cap level, and payment milestones. My Department will run a number of grant rounds over the course of the programme, which will operate from 2026 to 2030.

A priority action within the National Biomethane Strategy is the development of the Biomethane Environmental Sustainability Charter. The Charter is finalised and is published on the biomethane policy information page on the Gov.ie website.

Sustainability is a key pillar of the National Biomethane Strategy, with an emphasis on ensuring development of the anaerobic digestion (AD) industry in an environmentally sustainable manner, achieving high standards for the protection of water, soil, biodiversity and the local ecosystem.

The Charter sets out best practices guidelines to maximise the benefits of AD, while minimising its environmental impact on land use, water quality, and biodiversity, as well as ensuring a high health and safety standard within the sector.