Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 November 2023
114. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will outline a timeline for the construction of floating storage and regasification units by the State; the estimated budget allocation for the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52085/23]
View answerIn order for Ireland to ensure adequate resilience in case of a major disruption to our gas imports, we will introduce a Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve as a transitional measure to address security needs in the medium-term, to be used only if a disruption to gas supplies occurs.
My Department, in consultation with Gas Networks Ireland, the transmission system operator, will complete a detailed examination of the optimal approach to deliver the emergency gas reserve which will include consideration of projected costs and timeline for construction.
The proposal will be developed in accordance with specific criteria requirements including:
• a proposal which can be implemented quickly
• a proposal which does not inadvertently increase gas demand by increasing the supply available on the market
• a cost-effective proposal at the appropriate scale which provides sufficient resilience if a disruption to gas supply occurs, and
• a proposal which is compatible with the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015-21
All opportunities to accelerate the potential implementation of this project will be explored on the basis of its strategic importance.
I will return to Government for a final decision on this in Q2 2024.
