Macroom group calls for biomethane charter to be published and to 'enforce robust regulations'

The Macroom Biogas Concern Group argues that the national strategy has not been accompanied by the introduction of specific regulations

Biomethane is the term used for biogas which has been upgraded to methane of at least 97% in purity. Picture: iStock

A Cork community group opposed to the development of a biomethane facility in its locality is urging the Government to “urgently introduce and enforce robust regulations” to govern the biomethane industry.

The Macroom Biogas Concern Group has raised concerns that the €40m national biomethane strategy unveiled by the Government in May 2024 has not yet been accompanied by a sustainability charter. 

The group says the national strategy “still lacks clear, enforceable regulations to protect public health, safety, and the environment” against the backdrop of a plan to replace up to 10% of the country’s fossil gas needs with biomethane by 2030.

Under the strategy, up to 200 biomethane plants would have to be developed by 2030.

Biogas can be upgraded to sustainable biomethane to replace fossil gas. Biomethane is the term used for biogas which has been upgraded to methane of at least 97% in purity.

The Macroom group was set up in opposition to the proposed development of a biogas facility on the outskirts of the town because of its proximity to homes and the current lack of regulatory safeguards.

A spokeswoman for the group said: “Ireland is accelerating the rollout of biomethane infrastructure without putting in place the regulatory framework needed to ensure public safety and environmental protection.” 

The group argues that the national strategy has not been accompanied by the introduction of specific regulations governing:

• Minimum setback distances between biogas facilities and residential properties; 
• Emissions monitoring and control; 
• Odour, noise, and traffic mitigation;
• Safety protocols for gas storage and transport;
• Public consultation requirements and environmental impact transparency.

'Non-binding and insufficient'

A statement from the group said: “The biomethane charter, which was promised as a guiding framework for developers and communities, has still not been made publicly available for review.

"There is widespread concern that, once published, the charter may be non-binding and insufficient to protect communities like Macroom.

"A critical concern for residents is the lack of legally required minimum separation distances between biogas plants and homes. Without such protections in place, large-scale facilities can be sited dangerously close to residential areas, with potential consequences for air quality, noise pollution, and public health," the group said.

The group is demanding the immediate publication of the charter, as well as a public consultation process on it.

It also wants the introduction of statutory regulations that address safety, siting, environmental protection, and community rights in relation to the development of biomethane facilities.

A spokesman for the Department of the Environment said: “The biomethane sustainability charter is substantively complete, subject to final ministerial approval. We expect to publish this shortly.”