Ciarán Ahern (Dublin South West, Labour)
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226. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government for an update on the implementation of the previous Government’s 2022 Policy Statement on Mineral Exploration and Mining; the items that remain outstanding; the steps he is taking to ensure their implementation by the end of the five year implementation period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39458/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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The implementation of the Policy Statement on Mineral Exploration and Mining is currently underway by my Department. The Policy Statement was designed to be implemented incrementally, reflecting ongoing development and adaptation. While a number of the actions are largely achieved, work is continuing in relation to other elements, informed by more recent external developments. The publication of the “Green Metals: Demand Arising from Decarbonisation of Energy and Transport Sectors” Report in March 2023 supports implementation of Policy Statement by providing an understanding of the demand for different minerals in Ireland, including critical raw materials for the green and digital transitions. Implementation at national level of the EU Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) ,in effect since May 2024 and which aims to ensure a secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials, will also contribute directly to the iterative implementation of the Policy Statement including in relation to accessing critical raw materials in the context of rehabilitative treatment of legacy mine sites. The establishment of the Minerals Exploration and Mining Advisory Group was a key implementation action outlined in the Statement and is composed of representatives of the environmental, geoscientific, industry and social pillars, as well as departments and regulators. It provides a mechanism for stakeholders to discuss issues of mutual interest and concern and build public understanding. The Advisory Group is also being kept up to date on implementation of the Statement.

Remaining aspects of implementation include the following:

• Consideration of protection, restoration and enhancement of biodiversity matters and protection of geoheritage, across a range of context as set out in the Policy Statement, will be included in ongoing engagements with the Minerals Advisory Group;
• Work is continuing on the development of a new Geoscience Bill. While the full scope of the Bill is still being determined, it will include provisions to amend and commence the Minerals Development Act 2017, and accommodate other necessary updates.
• The framing of a regulatory and legislative framework for geothermal energy is also ongoing.
• Initial planning is underway for the development of a comprehensive communications strategy to take account of the Critical Raw Materials Act including, for example, consideration of the sharing of best practices concerning public participation and stakeholder involvement in critical raw materials projects.