Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I certainly was not lobbied and the Government was not lobbied. The climate action plan sets out the need to deliver circa 2 GW of new flexible gas-fired power stations by 2030. These power stations will be needed to provide security of electricity supply and support an electricity system with a high level of variable renewables, such as solar and wind. The delivery of the majority of this gas-fired generation is expected to be via the capacity remuneration mechanism, which is part of the all-island single electricity market. This is an international market spanning both jurisdictions on the island of Ireland. The regulators and system operators are actively seeking to incentivise the development of gas-fired power stations in the all-island market over the coming years, in line with Government policy. The agreement the Deputy referenced proposed ending new direct public supports for international projects, which would include gas-fired power stations. Given the nature of the all-island single electricity market and the need to develop gas-fired power stations to ensure security of electricity supply, it would not have been appropriate for Ireland to be a party to the agreement. We just heard Deputy Kelly's questions earlier on security of electricity. We have to be balanced in our approach to all these issues because otherwise the Deputy would be in here giving out about electricity supply.

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