Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 421: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the fact that south Dublin, with its extensive geothermal resources, offers one of the most significant opportunities for the development of indigenous renewable energy in proximity to an urban population that exists here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9754/09]

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 422: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will make a statement on the matter in the case of south Dublin when a proven geothermal resource can form the basis for the creation of a new industry in the renewable energy sector, an industry that can deliver construction jobs immediately and encourage long-term employment in the area as access to renewable energy becomes a key site selection factor with the introduction of carbon levies in 2010 and the urgent concern regarding energy security, volatile fuel prices and environmental protection. [9755/09]

Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 421 and 422 together.

As the Deputy may be aware, the publication of the Geothermal Resource Map of Ireland by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) in July 2004 highlighted the potential of deep geothermal energy. The potential for a good geothermal energy resource in the South Dublin region was also identified in the study. The report recommended that support be given for a medium-depth pilot borehole, for example on the Blackrock–Rathcoole Fault in an area with many potential users. SEI funded a study, in conjunction with University College Dublin and Conodate, to examine the economic and technical potential of deep geothermal energy sources along the fault line running beneath the University's Belfield campus.

Following on these studies I understand that a private company, in conjunction with SEI, is developing proposals in relation to geothermal energy at Newcastle, County Dublin. It would not be appropriate for me to comment on these proposals at this stage.

Surface geothermal energy is currently viewed as a commercially viable heating option for consumers and Government support for this technology is being supported through the Greener Homes and REHeat grant schemes operated by SEI.

Deep geothermal energy projects tend to be larger in scale and are usually associated with the development of a local district heating system to supply customers. Given the limited rock temperature and porosity data available in urban regions at the relevant depths, developers will also face technical risks at the start of the project. Therefore in order to encourage investors to develop deep geothermal energy projects, a clear understanding of the regulatory and legal risks must be available together with appropriate measures to protect an investors project interests.

As I indicated in my reply to Question No. 393 of 24th February 2009, a Geothermal Working Group was established by the Department in 2008 to set out the options for the development of a proportionate and realistic regulatory regime for geothermal energy utilisation in Ireland. As part of this process, a public consultation was held between June and August 2008. Over 30 submissions were received, mainly from people and organisations closely associated with geothermal energy development in Ireland. The results of the consultation exercise are currently being analysed. I expect the Working Group to report to me shortly.

The Working Group will report on effective regulatory and other measures that could be taken to increase the contribution of geothermal energy to meeting Ireland's targets for use of alternative energy. The legal aspects of a regulatory framework are among the issues under examination. Complex legal issues arise and consideration of these will impact on the timing of the Working Group's report. I will decide on the need for legislation after I have considered that report.

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 423: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will give direction to local authorities that when an indigenous renewable resource exists, such as geothermal, development of the resource is prioritised in planning decisions and when formulating future development plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9756/09]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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My Department engages regularly with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government on planning issues affecting the renewable energy sector and Sustainable Energy Ireland has contributed to the review of planning guidelines for wind-farms. I have no statutory authority to give direction to local authorities to prioritise renewable resource development in planning decisions or development plans. I will convey the Deputy's request to my colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.