Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 31: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the potential of the deep geothermal heat source on the Newcastle Blackrock geological fault line and that deep geothermal resources could provide sustainable energy to thousands of homes; if he will put in place legislation that is needed for this type of exploration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28953/07]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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In 2004 Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) funded a Geothermal Atlas of Ireland which identified the potential locations of deep geothermal energy in Ireland. The Blackrock-Rathcoole fault line was identified as a possible area of relatively accessible geothermal energy. The report recommended further research along the fault line and SEI have subsequently funded a feasibility study of the potential for a deep geothermal energy system on UCD's Belfield campus which was considered to be located on the fault. The report analyses technical options for a deep geothermal energy system and concludes that a specific drilling programme would be necessary to confirm the heating potential of the geothermal energy resource and to quantify the expected depth and cost of drilling for any full scale system.

It is clear that further research, including detailed cost benefit analysis, will be needed into the potential for deep geothermal energy exploitation in the Irish and indeed European context. The necessity for legislation will be kept under review in light of developments.