Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

108. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the assurances he will give to constituents in County Kerry in respect of a serious matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44784/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

A robust and fit-for-purpose gas safety framework is of the utmost priority for my Department as we seek to deliver the strategic gas emergency reserve as per the Government decision of 4 March 2025.

The selection of the Floating Storage and Regassification Unit (FSRU) as the preferred technology solution by Gas Networks Ireland, the gas transmission system operator, on behalf of the State, was conducted through a comprehensive evaluation framework aligned with international best practice. The process used a combination of pass/fail, multi-criteria analysis, and options appraisal methods to rigorously assess the options’ ability to meet key strategic factors, including safety.

Liquified natural gas (LNG) is one of the main methods used for storing natural gas. It is a method deployed at scale internationally and subject to thorough national and EU safety legislation and regulations. The Health and Safety Authority, under the aegis of the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, and the Commission for Regulation of Utilities, under my Department, will have roles in the safety regulation of the FSRU offshore and its associated transmission infrastructure onshore. My Department is working with all relevant stakeholders to scope the current and envisaged gas safety framework as it relates to LNG and the FSRU. This will continue to be developed as part of the engineering design for the FSRU.