Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 April 2022
110. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the measures he will take to ensure that liquid natural gas terminals cannot be built in Ireland given recent reports that large shipments of the gas will be made available from the United States of America to the European Union in view of the current crisis in Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18781/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Joint Statement between the European Commission and the United States on Energy Security on 25 March 2022, commits to reducing Europe's dependency on Russian Energy. It reaffirms that both the United States and EU are committed to meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement, including through a rapid clean energy transition, renewable energy and energy efficiency. The Statement commits the US and EU to establish a joint task force to execute its implementation on a number of urgent issues including LNG deliveries to Europe. The Government Policy Statement on importing fracked gas was approved by Government and published in May 2021. 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 that is currently 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.
The review is being carried out for the period to 2030, in the context of net-zero emissions by no later than 2050. This includes examining potential risks and potential mitigation options to address these risks. My Department is working to ensure that the implications of the Russia-Ukraine conflict are reflected in the analysis and the broader energy security framework.
