European Communities (Geological Storage of Carbon Dioxide) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 575 of 2011).

These Regulations carry into effect in Ireland Directive 2009/31/EC on the geological storage of carbon dioxide. That Directive establishes a legal framework for carbon capture and storage (CCS) so as to enable its safe operation in Europe. The Regulations apply to the geological storage of CO2 in the territory of the State, its exclusive economic zone and on its continental shelf within the meaning of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The storage of CO2 in a storage site in part or in the whole of those areas referred to is not permitted (Ireland has exercised its right, in accordance with Article 4 of the Directive, not to allow for any storage in part or in the whole of the State). The Regulations also concern the designation of a competent authority for the purposes of these Regulations and the Directive, transboundary cooperation, information to the public, reporting to the Commission an offences and penalties.