Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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417. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if there is a policy on importing fracked shale gas in view of the recent ban on fracking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10549/19]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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418. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the policy on building new fossil fuel infrastructure; if past support for LNG infrastructure will be reassessed in view of the recommendations of a recent report by an organisation (details supplied) and increasing climate court cases here, in Europe and internationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10550/19]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 417 and 418 together.

Successive governments have underlined the commitment to move from a fossil fuel-based electricity system to a low-carbon power system. Almost two thirds of renewable energy used in Ireland comes from renewable electricity.

It is widely recognised that Ireland needs to make a step change in its climate ambitions and I have secured Government approval to develop an all of Government plan which will set out the actions which must be taken to make Ireland a leader in responding to climate change. This Plan will include the steps which we must take in order to achieve this and I am working with colleagues across Government to develop new initiatives across electricity, transport and heat, as well as a range of other sectors.

In all projected transitions to a low carbon economy by 2050, gas will continue to play a role in sustaining the transition. It plays 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.

In relation to LNG projects, commercial developers have proposed a number for development, including the Shannon LNG project and another project in Cork. Final investment decisions for these projects and compliance with any legal and regulatory requirements in relation to consents or permits are the responsibility of the project promoters.

The production, sourcing, buying and selling of natural gas produced outside this jurisdiction, would also be an operational matter for the undertakings involved. Any undertaking would be required to comply with EU law in this area.