Renewable Gas Forum-Irish Green Gas Limited

Lobbying Organisation Renewable Gas Forum-Irish Green Gas Limited

Date published 21 Sep, 2017

Relevant Matter Public policy or programme

Public Policy Area Energy and Natural Resources

Period 1 May, 2017 to 31 Aug, 2017

Specific Details The RGFI represents the biogas industry in Ireland and is an advocacy for the large gas (heat) consumers in the Agri-food, beverages, biopharma, manufacturing, processing sectors and transport sector, who are actively seeking alternative low carbon fuel of renewable gas in order to decarbonise their industrial/commercial activities.This is the most competitive and low cost solution to switch to renewable technology, as these companies are already using natural gas for their primary energy needs.

Intended results The RGFI intentions are to inform and promote the necessary changes to policy within agriculture to support the enabling and deployment of an indigenous biogas industry that can contribute to a bioeconomy and circular economy in utilising agri waste streams and residues that can significantly reduce GHG emissions and decarbonise agriculture, improve sustainability, competitiveness and secure future inward investment from FDI's in the Agri-food, beverages and biopharma sectors.

Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity PJ McCarthy, Chair of Renewable Gas Forum Ireland (RGFI)

Did any Designated Public Official(DPO) or former Designated Public Official(DPO) carry out lobbying activities on your behalf in relation to this return? You must include yourself, and answer Yes, if you are a current DPO or a DPO at any time in the past. (What is a Designated Public Official?) No

Did you manage or direct a grassroots campaign? No

Was this lobbying done on behalf of a client? No

Lobbying activity

The following activities occurred for this specific Subject Matter Area.

Meeting (1)

Met with DAFM officials in Portlaoise offices. The RGFI are seeking to work with the DAFM on a consultative basis in order to achieve best results, using best practices, improving competitiveness and sustainability. The biogas industry is a growth area where farmers of all types can play a role, improve their incomes and keep rural Ireland alive for future generations. the use of mature technologies such as Anaerobic Digestion, can have a significant improvement and part to play in decarbonising agriculture practices on farm, GHG emissions mitigation measures, use of biofertilisers, improved soil, air and water quality, enhances biodiversity, development of a bioeconomy and circular economy. The biogas industry can be a game changer for rural Ireland and requires the support of Government Departments in understanding the wider economic benefits by supporting the inclusion of biomethane/renewable gas in the proposed Renewable Heat Incentive for Ireland. An additional 3,000 jobs created.

Designated public officials lobbied

The following DPOs were lobbied during this return period on this specific Subject Matter Area. These DPOs were involved in at least one of the Lobbying Activities listed above, but not necessarily all of them. As returns are specific to a Subject Matter Area the above Lobbying Activities may be associated with multiple returns.

John Muldowney Specialist (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine)