Pa Daly (Kerry, Sinn Fein)
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257. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will report on energy security; what the Government means when it describes a ‘State-backed’ LNG facility; if this will have a commercial element; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17515/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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As outlined in the Programme for Government, the Government is committed to taking decisive action to radically reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and to achieve a 51% reduction in emissions from 2018 to 2030, and to achieving net-zero emissions no later than 2050.

The Programme for Government also commits to achieving 80% of Ireland’s electricity generation from renewable sources by 2030 and to take all necessary action to ensure and protect Ireland’s energy security.

It is through delivering on this commitment that a secure and sustainable energy future will be delivered.

I recently received Government approval to proceed with the development of a State-led strategic gas emergency reserve. The delivery of a temporary gas reserve is critical to Ireland’s energy security as we continue to transition to indigenous, clean renewable energy. secure energy. This State-led strategic reserve will store Liquified Natural Gas in reserve for use, only, in the event of a disruption to gas supplies to protect Ireland’s citizens, economy and reputation from the possibility of energy curtailments. Crucially, the strategic gas emergency reserve will also ensure compliance with EU standards and regulation.

The strategic gas emergency reserve will be State-led meaning it will be owned and operated, on behalf of the State, by the gas system operator Gas Networks Ireland (GNI). It is not intended for commercial use.

In identifying this as the optimal approach, my Department has built upon the extensive review of security of Ireland’s gas and electricity systems which was approved by Government in the ‘Energy Security in Ireland to 2030’ plan in November 2023. The plan sets out Ireland’s ambition to transform our energy system and support our climate objectives. The plan includes 28 actions, under the pillars of sustainability, affordability and security.

The Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve is a transitional measure that supports a secure transition of our energy system and the policy decision taken by Government ensures the risk of stranded fossil fuel assets is reduced, the reserve will be used for emergency use, and does not support increased gas demand. These provisions will be underpinned by policy and legislation that my Department is progressing as a matter of priority.