Neasa Hourigan (Dublin Central, Green Party)
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114. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will outline a timeline for the construction of floating storage and regasification units by the State; the estimated budget allocation for the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52085/23]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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In order for Ireland to ensure adequate resilience in case of a major disruption to our gas imports, we will introduce a Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve as a transitional measure to address security needs in the medium-term, to be used only if a disruption to gas supplies occurs.

My Department, in consultation with Gas Networks Ireland, the transmission system operator, will complete a detailed examination of the optimal approach to deliver the emergency gas reserve which will include consideration of projected costs and timeline for construction.

The proposal will be developed in accordance with specific criteria requirements including:

• a proposal which can be implemented quickly
• a proposal which does not inadvertently increase gas demand by increasing the supply available on the market
• a cost-effective proposal at the appropriate scale which provides sufficient resilience if a disruption to gas supply occurs, and
• a proposal which is compatible with the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015-21

I will return to Government for a final decision on this in Q2 2024.

Neasa Hourigan (Dublin Central, Green Party)
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115. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will outline the provision managing fracked gas supplies within the proposal by the Government for floating storage and regasification units; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52086/23]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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In May 2021, the Government approved the ‘Policy Statement on the Importation of Fracked Gas’ which states “pending the outcome of the review of the security of energy supply of Ireland’s electricity and natural gas systems, it would not be appropriate for the development of any LNG terminals in Ireland to be permitted or proceeded with”. The statement remains in place until the review of Energy Security has been completed in full, following consideration by Government on the optimal approach to deliver a Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve.

My Department, in consultation with Gas Networks Ireland, the transmission system operator, will complete a detailed examination of the optimal approach to deliver the emergency gas reserve. I will return to Government for a final decision on this in Q2 2024.

Neasa Hourigan (Dublin Central, Green Party)
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116. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will clarify the engagement of private entities such as a company (details supplied) in the provision of floating storage and regasification units by the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52087/23]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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In order for Ireland to ensure adequate resilience in case of a major disruption to our gas imports, the Government has decided to introduce a Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve as a transitional measure to address security needs in the medium-term, to be used only if a disruption to gas supplies occurs.

My Department, in consultation with Gas Networks Ireland (GNI), the transmission system operator, will complete a detailed examination of the optimal approach to deliver the state-led emergency gas reserve. State-led means commissioned by the State via GNI, within a regulatory framework, overseen by the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities.

The proposal will be developed in accordance with specific criteria requirements including:

• a proposal which can be implemented quickly
• a proposal which does not inadvertently increase gas demand by increasing the supply available on the market
• a cost-effective proposal at the appropriate scale which provides sufficient resilience if a disruption to gas supply occurs, and
• a proposal which is compatible with the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015-21

I will return to Government for a final decision on this in Q2 2024.

Neasa Hourigan (Dublin Central, Green Party)
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117. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will provide further details on the proposed locations for floating storage and regasification units currently under review by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52088/23]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The 'Energy Security in Ireland to 2030' report, its supporting Annexes and work programme of 28 actions was published on 14 November, following approval by Government. The comprehensive report concludes that Ireland’s future energy will be secure by moving from a fossil fuel-based energy system to an electricity-led system, maximising our renewable energy potential, flexibility and being integrated into Europe’s energy systems.

With regard to gas, the report determines that Ireland’s natural gas supplies and infrastructure are adequate to meet our demand projections, but Ireland does not have adequate resilience in case of a major disruption to our gas imports. As a transitional measure, we will introduce a Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve to address security needs in the medium-term, to be used only if a disruption to gas supplies occurs.

Based on preliminary analysis by my Department, it is anticipated that in terms of delivery options, a Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve provided through a storage and importation facility — an FSRU — as the most appropriate approach. The appropriate location for a FRSU will need to have:

• access to the gas network
• a coastal site suitable for development
• sheltered deep-sea access
• ensure that the receiving environment is capable of accommodating the required infrastructure, having regard to environmental considerations
• proximity to high energy use clusters and future hydrogen production should also be considered and would be a further advantage