Ossian Smyth (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

The implementation of the European directive on common rules for the internal markets in renewable and natural gases and hydrogen is the appropriate legislative vehicle for consideration of the decarbonisation of the gas grid and GNI's role and functions as provided for in the Gas Act 1976, as amended. In particular, the final version of the European gas directive provides for member states to implement measures to phase out natural gas in order to reach the climate neutrality objective set out by the EU, or for other technical reasons. It provides for the development of a clear regulatory framework allowing for the refusal of access and possible disconnection of network users to obtain these policy objectives. Network users can be refused access or be disconnected if this concerns infrastructure that will be decommissioned in line with the network development plans at transition level or if decommissioning is envisaged in line with the provisions of the directive. It also notes that at the same time adequate measures should be undertaken to protect network users in such circumstances. It is important that the refusal of access and disconnection decisions are subject to objective, transparent and non-discriminatory criteria developed by regulatory authorities.

Another significant development, of which the Senator will be aware, is the publication of the Energy Security in Ireland to 2030 report which outlines a new strategy to ensure energy security in Ireland for this decade while also ensuring a sustainable transition to a carbon-neutral energy system by 2050. Within this package there is a specific action approved by the Government to review gas connection policy and introduce gas demand flexibility measures. Under the Climate Action Plan 2023, the CRU has been assigned as the lead organisation to complete and publish the electricity and demand-side strategy and implementation plan. As part of this the CRU will undertake a review of the processing of new, large energy demand connections to the electricity and gas systems. The aim of this review is to provide a pathway for new large energy user connections to the electricity and gas systems which minimises the impact on national carbon emissions while taking into account the capacity of the system with regard to supply of energy and grid infrastructure.

Given that the proposed amendments are outside of the scope of the Bill, as agreed by the Government, I propose to reject them while acknowledging GNI's current obligations under current and pending legislation.