Farming: Joint Committee on Agriculture and Food publishes report on anaerobic digestion

The Joint Committee on Agriculture and Food has published its Report on Anaerobic Digestion.

Speaking on the Report, Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Aindrias Moynihan said: “This Report is presented at a time of a global energy crisis, the impacts of which are currently being felt now and into the foreseeable future. 

"Ireland finds itself urgently needing to explore new and innovative forms of energy production to reduce the reliance on imported energy sources, particularly gas. An indigenous Anaerobic Digestion sector to produce bio-methane gas can contribute as part of the solution to reduce Ireland’s dependency on imported energy, while acknowledging the sector has yet to be developed to scale." 

Deputy Moynihan said the development of the sector could also contribute to the production of indigenous fertiliser, thus reducing Ireland’s dependency on imported sourced fertilisers.

Deputy Moynihan said: “We examined the potential benefits and risks related to the development of an indigenous AD sector and make a series of recommendations based on the key points raised by stakeholders for consideration regarding the development of the AD sector to scale in a sustainable, environmentally friendly, and constructive manner.” 

The Chair added: “Evidence to the Committee demonstrated broad support for AD as part of Ireland's renewable energy transition, alongside clear concerns about how such developments are planned, regulated, and integrated into communities. 

"The Committee stresses that addressing issues such as site location, environmental monitoring, regulatory enforcement, and community engagement will be central to securing public confidence and buy in to allow for the development of a sustainable biomethane sector for the benefit of all.”