Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 4 November 2020
24. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the geothermal energy development Bill; when it is likely to be advanced further; the reason for the delay in advancing this Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34021/20]
View answerI expect to be in a position to shortly publish a roadmap for public consultation on the development of a policy and regulatory framework for geothermal energy in Ireland. The development of such a roadmap is in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government to rapidly decarbonise the energy sector. The roadmap will be published together with a technical paper, providing background detail on geothermal energy generally, Ireland’s geothermal potential, a comparison of international policy frameworks, a summary of the other relevant regulatory frameworks and how they interact. Following this, the next steps in the process would include the development of a draft policy statement or paper on geothermal energy to be published for consultation, a final policy for Government consideration and, if approved, preparation of supporting legislation setting out the new regulatory framework.
