Neasa Hourigan (Dublin Central, Green Party)
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92. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views in relation to energy security and climate action; the way in which this relates to a proposal to develop liquefied natural gas facilities at the Port of Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1352/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Programme for Government sets out that, as Ireland moves towards carbon neutrality, it does not make sense to develop LNG terminals that import fracked gas. The Programme for Government is clear that the Government does not support the importation of fracked gas and commits to developing a policy statement to establish that approach. This policy statement is being developed by my Department and includes consideration of any necessary legal and regulatory provisions. This includes detailed examination of the European energy and environmental frameworks, in which our national laws operate, to ensure the policy statement will be legally robust. It is intended that the policy will apply to all LNG facilities in the State including the project referenced by the Deputy. Once finalised, I intend to bring the policy statement to Government for approval.  

In addition, my Department is carrying out a review of the security of energy supply of Ireland’s electricity and natural gas systems which is focusing on the period to 2030 in the context of ensuring a sustainable pathway to 2050. This review will include a detailed technical analysis and a public consultation and I expect it to be completed by the end of this year.