Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 July 2022
2173. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans in relation to grants for facilitating anaerobic digestion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41886/22]
View answerAnaerobic digestion is a proven science for the generation of sustainable energy, and I believe there may be potential to develop anaerobic digestion on Irish farms, especially considering the current global energy crisis caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
It should be noted however, that energy policy formation, including renewable energy, is the direct responsibility of the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC). However, my Department is engaging with that Department on all energy related matters from an agricultural perspective, as well as a wide range of industry and other stakeholder groupings.
The development of an anaerobic digestion industry in Ireland must be based on scientific research and country specific data. Towards this end my Department continues to support research, development and demonstration in this particular area.
As part of its allocation under the National Development Plan, the Department has committed to the development of an Agri-Led Capital Pilot Call for AD.
Two projects in particular which have received funding from my Department through the European Innovation Partnerships initiative (EIP), as part of the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 will provide this much needed information.
The Bio-refinery Glas (small scale farmer-led green bio-refineries) and Irish Bio-energy Association (IrBEA) (small biogas demonstration programme) have both been awarded funding of over €900,000 each.
I look forward to seeing the results of these projects which will provide valuable information of specific relevance to Irish farmers, and will help inform any decision taken by my Department in relation to the funding of anaerobic digestion plants in the future.
