Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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24. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the geothermal energy development Bill; when it is likely to be advanced further; the reason for the delay in advancing this Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34021/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I expect to be in a position to shortly publish a roadmap for public consultation on the development of a policy and regulatory framework for geothermal energy in Ireland. The development of such a roadmap is in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government to rapidly decarbonise the energy sector.The roadmap will be published together with a technical paper, providing background detail on geothermal energy generally, Ireland’s geothermal potential, a comparison of international policy frameworks, a summary of the other relevant regulatory frameworks and how they interact.  Following this, the next steps in the process would include the development of a draft policy statement or paper on geothermal energy to be published for consultation, a final policy for Government consideration and, if approved, preparation of supporting legislation setting out the new regulatory framework.