Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator Cosgrove for her contribution on this matter. I note the concern she has raised in her contributions, which will be brought to the attention of the Minister, Deputy Darragh O'Brien. The State-led strategic gas emergency reserve, operating on a non-commercial basis and for use only in the event of an emergency, would provide resilience to the gas system, mitigate against major consequences for our society and our economy that would arise from limited gas supply or disruption in Ireland. The Department is developing the appropriate policy and administration measures to ensure a strategic reserve provides the resilience to energy in a manner that does not inadvertently increase gas demand but that means the gas supply available on the market is compatible with Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Acts.

The Government focus is on implementing the 28 actions of the Energy Security in Ireland to 2030 plan, including action 17 for a very discrete and limited transitional role for LNG infrastructure in Ireland in the form of a strategic emergency gas reserve. This is central to enhancing the resilience of Ireland's energy system in the event of an emergency or foreign disruption to our subsea gas infrastructure. An application for fossil fuel infrastructure in Ireland is subject to planning consent and regulatory approvals by the relevant bodies. The provisions of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Acts 2015 to 2021 will apply.