Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 116: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the assessment of the prospects for geological storage of carbon here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10586/08]

Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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The assessment of the prospects for geological storage of carbon in Ireland is at a relatively early stage. A study, due in September 2008, by Sustainable Energy Ireland, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Geological Survey of Northern Ireland and Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) is examining the potential for such storage on the island of Ireland. In addition, an EPA–GSI project in the next two years, due in January 2010, will evaluate the prospect for potentially favourable sites in the Moneypoint region. Research under the Griffith Geoscience Research Awards has just begun, which will document the subsurface characteristics of potential sites in this region.

However, we are some considerable distance from implementing any storage solution, even if all these studies have positive results. GSI intends to affiliate to an active European network on geological storage of carbon to ensure we are fully aware of best practice on technical options relevant to Ireland. The Department is also participating in other EU and international fora where the potential for carbon capture and storage is being progressed. The question of legislative underpinning for geological storage of carbon will be kept under review in light of developments.