Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 November 2022
144. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if any meetings of the national emergency co-ordination group have taken place during 2022 to discuss the State's response to fuel rationing this winter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56340/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Energy Security Framework, which was published in April this year, provides a single overarching and initial response to address Ireland’s energy security needs in the context of the war in Ukraine. It outlines measures connected to energy security across the electricity, gas and oil sectors and sets out a ‘whole-of-Government’ response to the challenges posed to energy security and energy affordability.
As part of regular, prudent and ongoing contingency planning, the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications chaired an oil emergency training exercise at the National Emergency Coordination Centre (NECC) on 26th May 2022, attended by key Government Departments, Agencies and a range of industry participants with expertise from across the sector. The measures considered included the release to the market of oil stocks, managed by the National Oil Reserves Agency (NORA) from the State’s strategic oil reserve, to maintain supply, and the prioritisation of fuel to emergency and critical services.
In addition, an exercise was held in September this year to test our gas and electricity emergency plans. Exercise Dara was held over two days on the 9th and 16th of September. The exercise was conducted in person (and virtually) at the NECC on 16th September, chaired by my Department. It involved gas and electricity system operators - Gas Networks Ireland, EirGrid, ESB Networks - Government Departments, Agencies and the energy regulator.
Exercise Dara was based around an extreme hypothetical situation that was designed to stress-test emergency plans. It does not represent what might be expected to happen this coming Winter. Gas Networks Ireland’s Winter Outlook sets out that it is not currently envisioned that there will be any disruption to the supply of gas to Ireland this winter.
