Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 May 2024
118. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the legislative or regulatory frameworks in place to allow Ireland to import proposed fuels for an emergency gas reserve; the provision for State aid rules; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23902/24]
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.
The EU energy framework covers the regulation of gas markets and security of supply. A specific project once identified would need to fall within the framework’s requirements. It is noted that the significant changes to the framework are currently being prepared through the review and revision of the Gas Directive 2009/73/EC and Gas Regulation (EC) No 715/2009.
Designating the TSO as the sole owner and operator of an LNG terminal could in principle not engage the State Aid rules, if a legal monopoly is established which meets certain requirements:
• Be established in accordance with EU law
• Not compete in any related market with other services (e.g., other gas providers)
• Avoid cross subsidisation of other functions.
