Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 July 2021
82. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on whether the new fortress energy project in Tarbert and Ballylongford will be important in addressing the projected shortage of energy to meet the basic needs of Ireland in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40442/21]
View answer90. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will issue guidance to the Commission for Regulation of Utilities that reflects the policy position on the importation of fracked gas produced on 18 May 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40661/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 82 and 90 together.
The Programme for Government set out that the Government does not support the importation of fracked gas and committed to developing a policy statement to establish that approach. On 18 May, the Government's Policy Statement on the Importation of Fracked Gas was published and it has been communicated to a number of relevant State bodies including An Bord Pleanala and the Commission for Regulation of Utilities.
The policy statement provides that pending the outcome of a review of the security of energy supply of Ireland’s electricity and natural gas systems being carried out by my Department, it would not be appropriate for the development of any LNG terminals in Ireland to be permitted or proceeded with. My Department has made, and will continue to make, this position clear to developers of potential LNG projects and in response to any consultations with my Department that are required as part of planning and permitting processes.
The review of the security of energy supply of Ireland’s electricity and natural gas systems is focusing on the period to 2030 in the context of ensuring a sustainable pathway to 2050. The review includes a technical analysis which will help inform a public consultation. It is planned that the technical analysis will be published and the public consultation undertaken in the second half of this year. The review, once completed, will be submitted to Government.
