Robert Dowds (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 73: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, notwithstanding the publication of the Geothermal Energy Development Bill, the steps he is undertaking to exploit geothermal energy sources here. [8074/11]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The general scheme of a Geothermal Energy Development Bill was published in July of last year. This is a new area of legislative intervention and a significant support to the sector. In line with the programme for Government, it will provide considerable security of tenure to potential investors. The Bill sets out an approach to licensing exploration for, and exploitation of, geothermal energy, which is modelled on the approach taken in respect of minerals exploration and development, but also deals with a range of ancillary issues such as entry onto land, etc. Small-scale geothermal technologies are already included in the greener homes scheme as currently operated by the SEAI.