Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I assure the House that there is no basis for such reportage, nor is it true in this case that there is rationing planned for the UK.

In contrast, the latest, All-Island Generation Capacity Statement for 2013-22, published in January this year, forecast that the adequacy situation in this country is positive for the next ten years. Indeed there is a considerable generation surplus forecast for the Irish electricity system. In terms of long term plans for energy security, Ireland’s approach is to diversify fuels and supply sources. The use of indigenous gas and access to gas and liquefied natural gas storage will enhance diversity. Continuing to develop indigenous renewable electricity is also a key strategy in ensuring supply diversity and supports are in place to ensure we attain our 2020 target of having 40% of electricity generated from renewable sources.

The network companies, ESB Networks, EirGrid, BGE and Gaslink, will continue to improve the resilience of our electricity and gas networks in their development plans. These actions will continue to enhance our long term energy security. Moreover, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, funded and assisted by my Department has, over the past decade, been very proactive in maximising energy efficiency. Several successful initiatives have been undertaken and continue. New initiatives are also being considered which will further improve the efficiency of energy consumption. As well as enhancing long term energy security, we must be mindful of the potential for unexpected short-term disruption to energy supplies and in that regard there are detailed operational plans in place. In the unlikely event of a major disruption EirGrid and Gaslink would implement their respective emergency plans to deal with the situation.

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