Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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99. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the measures that will be implemented to reduce risks to an essential and sustainable energy supply for this State in view of the reference in the National Risk Assessment 2024 relating to investment requirements concerning energy security; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6803/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy notes correctly that the National Risk Assessment (NRA) 2024 highlighted the importance of our strategic critical infrastructure, especially with regard to energy security. Risks can emerge through different developments such as weather events, including those influenced by climate change, and geopolitical tensions which bring the risk of deliberate disruption to both energy and telecommunications. Aside from these risks, we must seek to enhance our critical infrastructure for a growing population.

I will cite three examples of where my Department are actively managing to reduce the risks that have been identified.

Firstly, my Department is examining the introduction of a Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve to address security needs in the medium-term, to be used only if a disruption to gas supplies occurs.

Secondly, the electricity grid is been significantly upgraded and adapted by ESBN. In addition, I have requested a full review by ESB Networks and CRU, as part of the PR6 (Sixth Annual Price Review) decision-making process, of the planned grid enhancement in light of the damage caused by Storm Éowyn, with specific additional projects and investments identified to future proof Ireland’s energy grid and to adapt to the challenges of climate change. The large-scale investment sought as part of PR6 will assist Ireland in maintaining a reliable and resilient electricity network to meet the needs of customers and society.

Thirdly, to enhance electricity security of supply, Temporary Emergency Generation (TEG) capacity was secured to mitigate any potential risks of a shortfall in electricity supply. The first three of these TEG units, North Wall, Huntstown, and Shannonbridge are now online, Tarbert is expected to become available in Q1 2025. These have successfully addressed supply concerns that had been highlighted previously.