Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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183. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to develop geothermal energy in Ireland given its potential to provide a significant proportion of the country’s heating; if there are areas of the country more suited to this type of energy source; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1416/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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Geothermal is a secure, environmentally sustainable and cost-effective source of renewable energy. In particular, geothermal energy can help decarbonise our heating sector, which accounts for roughly a third of Ireland's energy consumption. Research has shown that resources suitable for district heating and other applications are most likely to be found in the East, Midlands and Southwest of Ireland. In addition, new modelling may indicate that Wicklow, Wexford, Waterford and Cork have potential for deep untapped reservoirs of geothermal heat.

Its current usage in Ireland is mainly confined to shallow geothermal for small-scale projects such as domestic heating. The Government has supported the drive to increase the use of geothermal energy in Ireland through research and mapping by the SEAI and Geological Survey Ireland.

Further realisation of deeper geothermal resources requires our continued support and the Government is actively developing a policy and regulatory framework for the sector. On 18 November 2020 my Department published two papers, available at gov.ie

- An Assessment of Geothermal Energy for District Heating in Ireland; and

- Geothermal Energy in Ireland, A roadmap for a policy and regulatory framework.

The next steps include:

- further research and acquisition of additional data to improve our understanding of geothermal potential led by Geological Survey Ireland;

- the development of a draft policy statement 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 .

I encourage people and organisations who are interested in helping shape the future of geothermal energy in Ireland to examine the above documents and to make contact with my Department; contact details are available on gov.ie.