Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Solidarity)
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186. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on the expansion of fossil fuel facilities here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49884/18]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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Ireland’s energy policy is fully aligned with the EU’s climate and energy objectives on the transition to decarbonisation, which includes continuous and on-going review of policies to reduce harmful emissions, improve energy efficiency, incentivise efficient and sustainable infrastructure investment, integrate markets, and promote research and innovation while ensuring our energy security of supply is maintained and enhanced. The 2015 Energy White Paper, Ireland's Transition to a Low Carbon Energy Future, sets out a road-map for Ireland to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 80-95% by 2050. The strategy is clear that non-renewable energy sources will make a significant – though progressively smaller – contribution to our energy mix over the course of the energy transition.

The National Mitigation Plan, published in July 2017, restates the Government’s commitment to move from a fossil fuel-based electricity system to a low-carbon power system. Investment in further renewable generation will be incentivised. In addition to this the planned closure of Moneypoint by 2025 and the ending of peat for electricity generation will have a positive impact.

During this transition, gas has the potential to deliver significant and sustained benefits, particularly in terms of enhanced security of supply. Natural Gas has the potential to play an important role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the power generation, industrial and commercial, residential and transport sectors by replacing more CO2-intensive fossil fuels.  In Ireland gas powered generation also provides an important back-up for intermittent renewable wind generation.

I have secured government approval to develop an all of government plan which will set out the actions which must be taken in every government department and body to make Ireland a leader in responding to climate change. I will work with colleagues across government to develop new initiatives across electricity, transport, heat, as well as a range of other sectors.