1. Acceptance of Terms

Welcome to the Biomethane for Carbon and Community (BCC) website (the “Site”). By accessing or using the Site, you agree to be bound by these Terms & Conditions (the “Terms”). If you do not agree, you must not use the Site.

2. About the Site and Operator

The Site is provided for public information and engagement regarding biomethane in Ireland and the EU. It is operated by or on behalf of the BCC Project, led by the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) with partner organisations. Funding and visibility obligations apply under the EU Just Transition Fund Programme 2021–2027.

3. Definitions

• “You” / “User” means any individual or entity accessing the Site.
• “Content” means all text, images, graphics, audio, video, software, and other materials on or via the Site.
• “Submission” means information or materials you provide through forms, uploads, or communications (e.g., Expressions of Interest).

4. Access and Availability

We aim to keep the Site available, secure, and accurate. However, availability is not guaranteed and may be suspended, restricted, or terminated without notice for maintenance, security, or operational reasons.

5. Eligibility and Community Use

The Site is designed for the general public, farming stakeholders, communities, and interested parties in Ireland and the EU. You must be at least 16 years old to submit any personal data through the Site.

6. Acceptable Use Policy

• Do not use the Site for unlawful, fraudulent, defamatory, or harmful purposes.
• Do not introduce viruses, Trojans, worms, logic bombs, or other malicious or technologically harmful material.
• Do not attempt unauthorised access to the Site, its servers, or any connected systems.
• Do not scrape, harvest, or mine data except as permitted by applicable law and these Terms.
• Do not misuse contact forms (e.g., spamming, misleading submissions).

7. User Submissions

You are responsible for any Submission you make. You confirm that your Submission is accurate, lawful, and does not infringe third-party rights. You grant the BCC Project and its partners a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free licence to use, reproduce, store, and process your Submission for project engagement, compliance, and audit purposes. Personal data within Submissions will be processed in line with our Privacy Policy.

We may decline, remove, or edit Submissions that are unlawful, abusive, or irrelevant to the Site’s purpose.

8. Intellectual Property and Reuse

Unless otherwise stated, all Content is owned by or licensed to the BCC Project and/or its partners. Government of Ireland, EU, EMRA and Pobal emblems are used under applicable programme visibility rules and remain the property of their respective rights holders.

• You may view, download, and print Content for personal, non-commercial use with appropriate attribution.
• You must not reproduce, adapt, distribute, or create derivative works without prior written permission, unless a specific page clearly states a different licence.
• Where Content is provided under an open licence (e.g., Creative Commons), the relevant licence terms will be indicated and govern your use.

9. Third-Party Services and Links

The Site may link to external websites or embed third-party services (e.g., maps, analytics, video platforms). We are not responsible for third-party content, policies, or availability. Review their terms and privacy policies before use.

10. Information Only; No Technical or Legal Advice

Content is provided for general information and engagement. While we aim for accuracy and balance, the Content does not constitute technical, legal, planning, environmental, agricultural, financial, or professional advice. You should obtain appropriate professional advice before making decisions.

11. Accuracy, Updates and Changes

We may update, correct, or remove Content at any time without notice. We do not guarantee that the Content is complete, accurate, up-to-date, or suitable for your particular purposes.

12. Privacy, Cookies, and Analytics

Personal data is processed in accordance with our Privacy Policy. Essential cookies are required for functionality; non-essential cookies (e.g., analytics) are used with your consent, which you can manage via our cookie controls.

13. Funding Visibility Requirements

As a beneficiary of the EU Just Transition Fund Programme 2021–2027, the Site must display specific emblems and funding statements and may retain certain communications records for audit and compliance. By using the Site, you acknowledge these obligations form part of its operation.

14. Security and Vulnerability

We take reasonable steps to secure the Site. If you discover a security vulnerability, please contact us responsibly at bdo@tus.ie. Do not publicly disclose details before we have had a reasonable opportunity to investigate and remediate.

15. Disclaimers and Warranties

The Site and Content are provided “as is” and “as available” without warranties of any kind, express or implied, including but not limited to implied warranties of accuracy, fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement. We do not warrant that the Site will be uninterrupted, secure, or free of errors or viruses.

16. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, the BCC Project, TUS and partner organisations shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, special, exemplary, or punitive damages, or loss of data, profits, reputation, or business arising out of or in connection with your use of the Site or reliance on the Content, even if advised of the possibility of such damages.

17. Indemnity

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless the BCC Project, TUS and partner organisations from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, and expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising from your misuse of the Site, your Submissions, or your breach of these Terms.

18. Force Majeure

We shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performance due to events beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, acts of government, network failures, or third-party service outages.

19. Suspension and Termination

We may suspend or terminate access to the Site (in whole or part) at any time where necessary for maintenance, security, legal, or operational reasons, or if you breach these Terms. Sections that by their nature should survive termination shall do so.

20. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms are governed by the laws of Ireland and applicable EU law. The courts of Ireland shall have exclusive jurisdiction for disputes, without prejudice to mandatory protections under consumer law where applicable.

21. Dispute Resolution

Before initiating court proceedings, you agree to attempt to resolve disputes informally by contacting us at bdo@tus.ie. We will aim to respond within a reasonable timeframe.

22. Feedback and Complaints

We value your feedback. For complaints or accessibility requests, please email bdo@tus.ie.

23. Assignment

We may assign or transfer our rights and obligations under these Terms in connection with programme delivery, reorganisation, or successor entities. You may not assign your rights or obligations without our prior written consent.

24. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

25. Entire Agreement

These Terms constitute the entire agreement between you and us regarding the Site and supersede all prior or contemporaneous communications about the Site.

26. Changes to these Terms

We may amend these Terms to reflect legal, operational, or content changes. The revised version will be posted here with an updated “Last updated” date. Continued use of the Site after changes indicates acceptance.

27. Notices and Contact

Official notices and queries should be sent to bdo@tus.ie.