Chapter 9
Environmental Infrastructure
Issues / Recommendations / Observations
Sub. No.
Chief Executive’s Response & Recommendation
Submission notes reference to geothermal energy in Objective 9.14 and that Ireland has widespread shallow geothermal resources for small and medium-scale heating applications, which can be explored online through Geological Survey Ireland’s Geothermal Suitability maps for both domestic and commercial use. We recommend use of our Geothermal Suitability maps to determine the most suitable type of ground source heat collector for use with heat pump technologies. Ireland also has recognised potential for deep geothermal resources. The Roadmap for a Policy and Regulatory Framework for Geothermal Energy was launched at the Geoscience 2020 Conference in November 2020. The Assessment of Geothermal Resources for District heating in Ireland and the Roadmap for a Policy and Regulatory framework for Geothermal Energy in Ireland documents have been developed to support the Government's commitments under the Climate Action Plan 2019 and the Programme for Government. For further information please see our Geoenergy pages on our website or contact the Groundwater and Geothermal Unit of the Geological Survey Ireland directly.
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The City Council welcomes the reference to geothermal energy and the information provided by the GSI. It is acknowledged that additional information is required to promote renewable forms of energy. Additional text will be provided in Chapter 5 Climate Change and the Environment following paragraph 5.34 District Heating Opportunities, in this regard. The submission of the OPR should also be referenced with regard to changes proposed. Recommendation: Provide the following additional text after paragraph 5.34 District Heating Opportunities: Geothermal Energy Ireland has widespread shallow geothermal resources for small and medium-scale heating applications, which can be explored online through Geological Survey Ireland’s Geothermal Suitability maps for both domestic and commercial use. Their Geothermal Suitability maps can also be utilised to determine the most suitable type of ground source heat collector for use with heat pump technologies. Ireland also has recognised potential for deep geothermal resources. The Assessment of Geothermal Resources for District heating in Ireland and the Roadmap for a Policy and Regulatory framework for Geothermal Energy documents can also be referenced on this area.
Micro electricity producers should be paid for the electricity they feed back to the grid. 46
This matter extends beyond the remit of the Development Plan. Recommendation: No change.
Geothermal heating should be standardised in new housing developments.
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Additional text is being provided on this issue – see the response to submission 92 above. There are a variety of renewable technologies being developed, with
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