Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

Energy Policy

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 May 2022

Tuesday, 10 May 2022

Ceisteanna (214)

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

214. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the withdrawal of Britain from the European Union creates new concerns from an energy security point of view; if not, if it creates new obligations for Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23289/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Notwithstanding the UK leaving the EU, the interconnection infrastructure remains the same as when the UK was a Member State and gas and electricity continue to be traded. There also continues good cooperation between Irish and UK system operators. Gas supply from the UK is considered one of the most secure in Europe with diverse supplies of natural gas from indigenous production, pipeline connections to Norway, Belgium and the Netherlands, and substantial capacity for liquified natural gas imports. However, it should be noted that the UK’s indigenous production is decreasing, resulting in increased imports of liquified natural gas.

Gas Networks Ireland and the National Grid, which operates the gas transmission system in Great Britain, have a Joint Protocol for Load Shedding at the Moffat Interconnection Point in Gas Supply Emergencies. This protocol sets out that, in the event of a shortage of natural gas supply in the UK that could affect supplies in Ireland, the overriding principal that will be applied is one of proportionality. This seeks to ensure that, in the event of a disruption to gas supplies, any reductions would be on a proportional basis across the UK and Ireland.

The UK is no longer bound by EU law on obligations related to energy security. The UK/EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) provides a legal framework for cooperation on security of gas and electricity supply between the EU and the UK. The TCA commits both parties to develop appropriate frameworks for cooperation with respect to the security of supply of electricity and natural gas.

Barr
Roinn