Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
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151. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government to outline how a State-led FSRU would be compliant with the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46048/25]

Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
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152. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the timeline and cost for the development of the State-led strategic gas emergency reserve; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46049/25]

Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
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153. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government when his Department expects to finalise policy and legislation on the operation of a State-led strategic emergency gas reserve; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46050/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 151, 152 and 153 together.

Earlier this year I 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. Crucially, the strategic gas emergency reserve will also ensure compliance with EU standards and regulations.

Gas Networks Ireland (GNI) is progressing the project through the relevant planning and regulatory structures with appropriate stakeholder engagement.

The operation of the strategic gas emergency reserve will be underpinned by both policy and legislation that my Department is currently developing and will be progressed as a matter of priority.

Final timelines for delivery are still being developed as the project progresses through this next stage.

In relation to the cost for the development of the reserve, GNI is currently progressing the project through detailed design to determine the final costs to deliver this project. This will inform the final investment decision.

Final timelines for delivery are still being developed as the project progresses through this next stage.

The strategic gas emergency reserve will provide the necessary resilience to our energy system in a manner that:

• does not inadvertently increase gas demand by increasing the supply available on the market
• will avoid the risk to fossil fuel lock-in or stranded fossil fuel asset
• is designed to be divested when no longer required.
• is compatible with the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act.