Malcolm Byrne (Wicklow-Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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217. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will detail unscheduled dives undertaken in 2024 to inspect the IC1 gas pipeline following Russian naval activity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9380/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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Gas Networks Ireland, as system operator, is committed to ensuring the security of the sub-sea interconnectors which are vital components of Ireland's energy infrastructure. These interconnectors play a crucial role in maintaining a stable and secure energy supply.

On 14 November 2024 the Russian vessel “Yantar” was observed in the vicinity of Gas Interconnector 1 by the Irish Navy.

At the time of the incident no loss of containment alarm activated and no interruption to gas supplies occurred. As a precautionary measure, my Department agreed that Gas Networks Ireland would undertake an offshore subsea inspection of a 10km section of IC1, the crossing of the Havhingsten data cable and the locations of where the vessel was observed loitering.

The offshore survey work was performed between 9 and 11 December 2024.

As part of GNI’s regular planned sub-sea inspections, a record of all items of debris near the sub-sea gas pipelines has been recorded. Following analysis and review of the completed results of survey, it was determined that there were no threats to the pipeline identified.

GNI continues with its routine sub-sea survey programme and works with relevant government departments in both the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom to monitor sub-sea interconnectors with regard to potential threats and disruptions.