20/10/2026
Ministers Launch Consultation On Future Of NI's Biomethane Sector
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald and Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir have launched a public consultation on plans to develop a sustainable biomethane sector in Northern Ireland.
The Biomethane Strategy and Policy Framework consultation was launched at the NI Renewable Gas Conference 2026, where the Ministers addressed more than 200 stakeholders from the renewable gas industry.
Biomethane is a renewable gas that could help reduce carbon emissions from heating homes and businesses, while also creating opportunities for the agricultural sector through the management of manure and other waste products.
Northern Ireland is considered to have significant potential for biomethane production, supported by its substantial agri-food sector and the availability of suitable feedstocks.
Minister Archibald said: "Developed sustainably, biomethane can play an important role in our future energy mix, supporting investment and jobs, creating opportunities in rural areas and strengthening our agri-food sector and wider supply chain.
"But any future biomethane sector must work for consumers, support economic growth and deliver wider environmental benefits. Getting that balance right will be critical to its long-term success and has shaped our approach to developing biomethane policy."
Minister Muir highlighted the potential for biomethane to improve nutrient management and deliver wider environmental benefits, while stressing the importance of ensuring the sector operates sustainably.
He said: "Our established anaerobic digestion sector ensures we are well placed to benefit from the opportunities afforded by biomethane.
"Any future biomethane sector must be guided by strong environmental principles. We have seen the impacts of declining water quality and excess nutrients in our rivers, lakes and loughs, particularly at Lough Neagh.
"Public confidence will depend on the sector delivering positive environmental outcomes while avoiding unintended consequences."
The consultation will seek views on the proposed strategy and policy framework to guide the development of Northern Ireland's biomethane sector, with a focus on balancing economic opportunities, energy needs and environmental protection.
The Biomethane Strategy and Policy Framework consultation was launched at the NI Renewable Gas Conference 2026, where the Ministers addressed more than 200 stakeholders from the renewable gas industry.
Biomethane is a renewable gas that could help reduce carbon emissions from heating homes and businesses, while also creating opportunities for the agricultural sector through the management of manure and other waste products.
Northern Ireland is considered to have significant potential for biomethane production, supported by its substantial agri-food sector and the availability of suitable feedstocks.
Minister Archibald said: "Developed sustainably, biomethane can play an important role in our future energy mix, supporting investment and jobs, creating opportunities in rural areas and strengthening our agri-food sector and wider supply chain.
Minister Muir highlighted the potential for biomethane to improve nutrient management and deliver wider environmental benefits, while stressing the importance of ensuring the sector operates sustainably.
He said: "Our established anaerobic digestion sector ensures we are well placed to benefit from the opportunities afforded by biomethane.
"Any future biomethane sector must be guided by strong environmental principles. We have seen the impacts of declining water quality and excess nutrients in our rivers, lakes and loughs, particularly at Lough Neagh.
"Public confidence will depend on the sector delivering positive environmental outcomes while avoiding unintended consequences."
The consultation will seek views on the proposed strategy and policy framework to guide the development of Northern Ireland's biomethane sector, with a focus on balancing economic opportunities, energy needs and environmental protection.
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20 October 2026
Ministers Launch Consultation On Future Of NI's Biomethane Sector
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald and Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir have launched a public consultation on plans to develop a sustainable biomethane sector in Northern Ireland.
Ministers Launch Consultation On Future Of NI's Biomethane Sector
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald and Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir have launched a public consultation on plans to develop a sustainable biomethane sector in Northern Ireland.
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A man in his 20s has died after a four-vehicle collision in Newry, the Police Service of Northern Ireland has confirmed. The incident was reported at around 6.30am on Monday 19 October on the Armagh Road, near its junction with Church Road. Police, the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service and the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service attended.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Mostly dry through the day with some sunny spells, perhaps the odd light shower across Down. Western counties will cloud over towards evening with perhaps a little rain in the far west. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:The east will be dry with some clear spells this evening. Cloud and rain will spread to western areas, turning heavier and then extending to the east overnight. Minimum temperature 8 °C.