Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 February 2022
117. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the Government will consider extending the operation of Moneypoint Power Station beyond its scheduled closure date of 2025 in view of Ireland's ongoing energy security challenges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9193/22]
View answerThe Climate Action Plan 2021, published in November states that we will continue to decarbonise the electricity sector by taking advantage of our significant renewable energy resources. The Plan also includes a target to complete the phase-out of coal and peat-fired electricity generation in Ireland. In doing this we must ensure a continued secure supply of energy, which is vital for the proper functioning of society and the economy.
The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (the CRU) has statutory responsibility to monitor and take measures necessary to ensure the security of electricity supply. It is assisted in this role by EirGrid, Ireland’s electricity Transmission System Operator.
Operational decisions pertaining to the power station referred to by the Deputy are a matter for the ESB and I have no function in the matter.
