Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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167. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government in light of recent volatility in European energy markets, the steps been taken as of September 2025 to diversify Ireland's natural gas supply; the progress made on liquified natural gas import options or alternative infrastructure; and the contingency measures in place for winter 2025 2026 to guarantee security of supply. [49456/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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Ireland’s total gas demand remains relatively stable, with a 2% increase between 2023 and 2024. In 2024, figures from Gas Network Ireland show that gas supplied around 30% of Ireland’s total energy demand and 41% of Ireland’s electricity generation. Around 20% of this was sourced from Corrib and 80% from the UK through two interconnectors. Corrib is expected to cease production around 2035, leaving Ireland solely dependent on gas imports from the UK.

To diversify Ireland’s natural gas supply, my Department is working to implement the National Biomethane Strategy. The substantial contribution that domestically produced biomethane could make to gas supply in Ireland (i.e., 5.7 TWh by 2030, which is 10% of Ireland’s current overall gas demand) will improve our energy security and help shield against possible price instability or volatility in international energy markets.

On 4 March 2025 the Government approved the development of a strategic gas emergency reserve for use in the event of an interruption to gas supplies. The strategic gas emergency reserve is a transitional measure that supports a secure transition of our energy system and will protect Ireland's energy systems for the consequences of a disruption to gas supplies. My Department is progressing the delivery of this project as a matter of priority.

Gas Networks Ireland's most recent 10 year Network Development Plan, approved by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities, addresses market risks to gas supply by assessing capacity for projected demand, ensuring the security and resilience of the gas network through infrastructure development, and incorporating supply and demand scenarios to identify potential future strains. Gas Networks Ireland is currently progressing a series of incremental capacity upgrade works at both compressor stations in Scotland in order to meet the forecasted peak day gas demands.