National Biogas Concern Group Ireland Launches to Demand Proper Regulation of Industrial Biogas Developments
Dublin, 20th May, 2025
Today marks the official launch of the National Biogas Concern Group Ireland (NBCGI), a new coalition of concerned communities from across the country united in response to the increasing number of industrial-scale biogas plant proposals being processed without appropriate national regulations in place.
NBCGI has been formed to raise public awareness and demand immediate government action on the regulation of biogas facilities, many of which are being proposed dangerously close to residential homes, schools, and local amenities.
Despite the Government’s commitment to renewable energy and the publication of the National Biomethane Strategy over 12 months ago, it has failed to introduce crucial siting and safety regulations to ensure these facilities are developed responsibly and sustainably. In the absence of such regulations, local authorities are processing planning applications without consistent national standards, leaving communities exposed to potential environmental, health, and quality-of-life impacts. Other EU states have already issued guidelines and regulations for AD plants and Ireland has yet to meet this standard.
“We are not anti-renewable energy,” said a spokesperson for NBCGI. “We support sustainable solutions to climate change — but not at the cost of our communities. Biogas plants must be located appropriately, with proper buffers from homes and sensitive areas. This is about common sense and safety.”
The group is calling for:
Immediate publication of national siting guidelines for biogas facilities with reference to International best practice.
A moratorium on new planning applications for industrial-scale biogas plants until regulations are in place.
Genuine community consultation and transparency in all proposed developments.
Providing the biogas regulatory body, the Environmental Protection Agency, with sufficient powers to investigate and close a biogas facility if it is in breach of any environmental regulations.
NBCGI stresses that with clear and enforceable guidelines, developers can identify suitable sites that balance energy goals with community well-being — a step that should have accompanied the national biomethane push from the outset.
The group plans to engage with government departments, local authorities, and the wider public to highlight the urgent need for reform.
For media inquiries, statements from local representatives, or to join the coalition, please contact the NBCGI here.
