347. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will address issues raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66503/26]

The correspondence which the Deputy has supplied relates to planning determination timelines for biomethane and anaerobic digestion Developments. There are several Government Departments involved in this matter.

With regard to the publication of national planning and siting guidance for Anaerobic Digestion (AD), and biomethane development, it is understood from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine that AD, although a very well-established technology in Europe with over 20,000 plants in operation, has been a relatively small sector in Ireland to date. However, there is an existing regulatory framework in place to underpin the further development of the AD industry in Ireland and harness the benefits of biomethane.

For example, plants involved in AD of animal by-products or derived products must be approved by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Depending on the plants activity various licences are required from the Environmental Protection Agency. Onsite health and safety is regulated by the Health and Safety Authority and the plants connection to the gas network is regulated through the Commission for Regulation of Utilities and Gas Networks Ireland’s procedures and standards.

AD and other integrated assets are required to undergo a planning process to ensure proper consideration of a range of factors including location, visual impact and ecological impact. Projects above a certain threshold are also required to complete an Environmental Impact Assessment.

The Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment (DCEE) has had engagement on the development of planning guidelines for AD facilities through a sub-group that was established as part of the Biomethane Implementation Group to specifically examine such a document. Membership of the subgroup include DCEE alongside the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, Teagasc and my Department. This document will be non-statutory in nature. It will assist local representatives and planning authorities when assessing planning applications for biomethane plants. The support document is now being developed by ARUP Consultancy and is anticipated to be finalised in 2026.

The correspondence also raises issues around individual cases. Under Section 30 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), the Minister for Housing cannot involve themselves in any planning case.

An Coimisiún Pleanála (ACP) is a quasi-judicial body, which operates independently of this Department. Arrangements have been put in place by all bodies under the aegis of my Department to facilitate the provision of information directly to members of the Oireachtas. This provides a speedy, efficient and cost effective system to address queries directly to the relevant bodies. The contact email address for An Coimisiún Pleanála in this regard is Oireachtasqueries@pleanala.ie.