Dáil debates
Tuesday, 8 November 2022
Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions
Energy Policy
10:00 pm
Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party) | Oireachtas source
On the first issue, it is complex and the regulator will have to decide on it. I understand it applies to T-3 and T-4 auctions which are in train at this moment in time. My expectation, depending on what the CRU comes out with in its final decision, is that it is not precluded that the terms and conditions for the ongoing existing options would be updated or amended according to the decision. It has to make the best call on that situation. As I said, the biggest problem with the other two areas of difficulty are with regard to the planning system. The Attorney General is working to revise the Planning Act 2000. That will be critical because I understand it will help to reduce the incredible length of time that projects are caught in judicial review or other lengthy delays in the planning system.
With regard to the role of data centres, I wrote to GNI. I think it was appropriate and responsible to do so as Minister at a time when we have to reduce our use of gas to make sure that we are not developing any further connections and there was absolute clarity in that regard. Given the energy security framework we are in, we cannot continue to see the expansion of gas. I wrote, on a precautionary basis, to make sure-----
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