Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

95. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to support a matter (details supplied) regarding geothermal energy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4560/16]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

My Department launched two public consultations in 2015 on the development of a new renewable heat incentive (RHI) and a renewable electricity support scheme (RESS). The initial phase of the consultation closed on 18 September 2015 and was designed to review the technology options that may be supported by the new incentive schemes. There will be two additional public consultation phases in 2016, before any decision is taken on the final design of the new schemes, which will give all interested parties another opportunity to participate in the development of the support schemes. A key component in the design of the schemes will be the consideration of available technologies, including geothermal energy, and will include an assessment of the their cost effectiveness and viability.

The Energy White Paper - Ireland's Transition to a Low Carbon Energy Future 2015-2030, which I published in December last, commits to the establishment of a regulatory framework to facilitate the exploration for, and development of, geothermal energy resources.

The question of the timing of future legislation in relation to Geothermal Energy will, at this stage, be a matter for the next Government to decide in the context of its overall legislative priorities.