Ciarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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587. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the status and preparation of the geothermal energy Bill. [21975/17]

Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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The proposed Geothermal Energy Development Bill is largely modelled on the approach taken in respect of minerals exploration and development. Many of the provisions proposed are based on aspects of the Minerals Development Bill, which in turn updates and consolidates a range of Acts dating from 1940.

It was decided therefore that it would be logical to proceed with publication of the Minerals Development Bill first.  The Minerals Development Bill 2015 has completed all stages in Seanad Éireann and completed Second Stage in Dáil Éireann on 22 February 2017. It is expected that it will proceed to enactment in 2017.  Final drafting of the Geothermal Energy Development Bill will then follow on, as legislative priorities permit.