Renewable Gas Forum-Irish Green Gas Limited

Lobbying Organisation Renewable Gas Forum-Irish Green Gas Limited

Date published 21 Jan, 2018

Relevant Matter Public policy or programme

Public Policy Area Energy and Natural Resources

Period 1 Sep, 2017 to 31 Dec, 2017

Specific Details The RGFI is consumer lead and an advocacy for large gas consumers in the manufacturing and processing sectors of agri food, beverages, bio pharma and medical devices industry. The RGFI believes that the Department of Communications, Climate Action & Environment is using costs and regulatory barriers to block the development of a renewable gas industry in Ireland without understanding the wider economic and environmental benefits that the renewable gas production can deliver & security of supply.

Intended results The RGFI intends to promote the development of renewable natural gas through the allocation of the current carbon taxes being collected from gas consumers, amounting to €125 million in 2016. in line with other EU member states it would be legitimate and appropriate use of the carbon tax on fossil gas to support the development of the renewable natural gas in Ireland. The Carbon tax fund allocated to support the development of renewable natural gas projects to deliver 6TWh by 2030.

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

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)

The RGFI as an industry forum that is consumer lead, has offered to engage in a consultative, professional and solution focused manner with DCCAE in recent times, with little response. This meeting with Minister Naughten and officials from the Heat & Transport Policy Division will be the first meaningful engagement with the RGFI as an industry forum and is welcomed. The RGFI is promoting the use of current carbon tax paid by gas consumers on use of fossil gas, €125 million collected in 2016. The RGFI is requesting the legitimate and appropriate allocation of this fund to supporting the development of renewable natural gas in Ireland. the pillar industries of the agri food, beverages, bio-pharma and medical device manufacturing and processing industries are seeking Government to support the development and supply of renewable natural gas to enable industry to remain competitive and sustainable with potential for future investment and additional employment in Ireland.

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.

Denis Naughten Minister (Department of Environment, Climate and Communications)

Kevin Brady Head of Unit (Department of Environment, Climate and Communications)