Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 March 2021
231. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 1060 and 1061 of 7 September 2018, the conclusions of the report referred to in the reply; when the report was published; the further work completed on the subject; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14495/21]
View answerThe report referred to by the Deputy was completed in 2018 and I will publish it on my Department's website shortly.
The report examined potential extensions to the gas network in Ireland. This work was undertaken in the context of the national climate and energy policies that were in place at that time. In the period since, there has been significant development of national policy. I would highlight, in particular, the Programme for Government commitments to an average 7% pre annum reduction in overall greenhouse gas emissions from 2021 to 2030 (a 51% reduction over the decade) and to achieving net zero emissions by 2050. I would also note the commitment to electrification that includes the installation of 600,000 heat pumps by 2030.
In this context, I consider the 2018 report to be of limited, if any, relevance to current policy development. Furthermore, I can confirm that extending the natural gas network will not be included in the upcoming Climate Action Plan as a means of decarbonisation.
