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Energy Policy

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 November 2020

Tuesday, 3 November 2020

Questions (253, 266, 269)

Neale Richmond

Question:

253. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications the action which has been taken to prevent the importation of fracked gas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32816/20]

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Jennifer Whitmore

Question:

266. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications when he will make a statement on the future of LNG infrastructure in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33131/20]

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Michael McNamara

Question:

269. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if the Shannon LNG has been withdrawn from the Projects of Common Interest List; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33313/20]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 253, 266 and 269 together.

The Programme for Government sets out that, as Ireland moves towards carbon neutrality, it does not make sense to develop LNG terminals that import fracked gas. The Programme for Government is clear that the Government does not support the importation of fracked gas and commits to developing a Policy Statement to establish that approach. Such a policy statement is in development and includes consideration of any necessary legal/regulatory provisions. This includes detailed examination of the European energy and environmental frameworks, in which our national laws operate, to ensure the Policy Statement will be legally robust. Once finalised, I intend to bring the Policy Statement to Government for approval.

The Programme for Government also sets out that the Shannon LNG terminal should not be included in the 2021 list of EU Projects of Common Interest.  If this project were to apply for inclusion in the 2021 list, Ireland would not provide the required Member State approval and therefore the project would not be included in the 2021 list.

In addition, my Department is carrying out a review of the security of energy supply of Ireland’s electricity and natural gas systems which is focusing on the period to 2030 in the context of ensuring a sustainable pathway to 2050. The review will include a detailed technical analysis and a public consultation. It will inform future policy in relation to natural gas supplies, gas storage, electricity interconnection, hydrogen, emergency reserves and other measures that would enhance our security of supply in the context of the doubling of the electricity generated from renewable sources to 70% of Ireland’s final consumption and the achievement of net zero emissions by 2050. I expect that the review will be completed by the end of 2021.

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