Bríd Smith (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)
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41. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if his Department has had any communication with the Port of Cork authorities in relation to their support for an LNG facility; if the authority is bound by Government policy in relation to the development of LNGs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55314/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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At the request of the Port of Cork, my officials had a video call with them on 11 May 2022 at which they provided a brief overview of their project.

The Government's position on LNG is set out in the Policy Statement on importing fracked gas which was published in May 2021. The policy statement provides that, pending the outcome of a security of supply review, it would not be appropriate for the development of any LNG terminals in Ireland to be permitted or proceeded with.

As set out in the National Energy Security Framework, which was published in April 2022, a review of the energy security of Ireland’s gas and electricity systems is being carried out by my Department, following which the results will be submitted to Government.

This review is focussed on the period to 2030 and will examine the risks to security of supply and a range of potential mitigating options. The review process includes a technical analysis to help inform the public consultation. The technical analysis includes identification and examination of the key risks to the security of supply in the electricity and natural gas systems; identification of options that could address or mitigate these risks in the period to 2030; and appraisal of these options in the context of ensuring a sustainable pathway to 2050. The public consultation closed for comment on 28 October 2022 and my Department is now reviewing the responses.