Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 6 October 2022
14. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the engagement that he has had with his European Union counterparts regarding the unusual leaks at the Nordstream gas pipeline; his views and concerns on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48893/22]
View answerThe Government is deeply concerned by the sudden and extensive gas leaks detected in the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines last week.
There has been ongoing contact with our EU partners since early last week at political and senior official level on this issue. I spoke with my Danish counterpart on Wednesday last week to express Ireland’s support and solidarity with Denmark and the Danish people and to get an update on what occurred. We are also in close contact with our Swedish partners.
All the analysis to date indicates that these leaks are the result of deliberate acts of sabotage. We understand that at least two detonations occurred underwater, damaging the pipelines and causing major leaks of natural gas into the Baltic Sea. The magnitude of the explosions was measured at 2.3 and 2.1 on the Richter Scale, corresponding to an explosive load in the region of several hundred kilos.
The immediate priority must be to ensure maritime safety and avert the risk of a climate and ecological disaster.
The irresponsibility of such acts cannot be overstated and must deeply concern us all. That such acts might occur now, in the midst of a global energy crisis and with winter fast approaching, makes it all the more appalling.
The EU has made clear that any deliberate disruption of European energy infrastructure is utterly unacceptable. As we also stated at the UN Security Council last week, Ireland and our fellow EU Member States will ensure that it is met with a robust and united response.
We strongly support the on-going investigations in the most affected Member States to determine the full facts behind the leaks. Sweden, Denmark and other affected Member States have our full support in managing the consequences of this indefensible act and we stand ready to provide any assistance necessary.
