Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 March 2024
116. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will outline the measures that will be taken to prevent the import and use of fracked gas in Ireland’s energy systems should a floating storage and regasification unit be leased; how it would be verified that imported gas has not come from fracked sources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10143/24]
View answerIn May 2021, the Government approved the ‘Policy Statement on the Importation of Fracked Gas’ which states “pending the outcome of the review of the security of energy supply of Ireland’s electricity and natural gas systems, it would not be appropriate for the development of any LNG terminals in Ireland to be permitted or proceeded with”. The statement remains in place until the review of energy security has been completed in full, following consideration by Government on the optimal approach to deliver a Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve.
Gas Networks Ireland (GNI) will complete a detailed examination of the optimal approach to deliver the emergency gas reserve based on specific criteria determined by my Department. I will bring my recommendations to Government for a final decision on this in Q2 2024. The optimal approach will be determined by the Government’s continued commitment to the three policy objectives of sustainability, affordability and security.
