Caít Keane (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On the question of offshore gas storage, for which there is no legislation at present, would it be part of the role of the EPA to recommend that, where possible, the storage of offshore gas should be in used drilling wells or other wells because its priority is the protection of the seabed and sea life?

Does the EPA have a role in prioritising sites on a sliding scale? Class A sites - gas fields or drilling holes that have already been used - should be the first priority if we are to avoid digging up the seabed. Does the EPA's remit extend to allowing it to propose the best option for companies? If it does not, perhaps it falls within the remit of some other body. I appreciate that companies will probably choose the cheapest option first, even though it might not be the best option from an environmental perspective, but obviously they are also concerned about the most effective option.