Roderic O'Gorman
Question:208. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Taoiseach if he met with any US fracked gas communities (details supplied) during his time in the United States; and if not, the reason therefor. [15517/25]
View answerTuesday, 1 April 2025
Questions (208)
Written answers
I visited Austin and Washington D.C. for a programme of events to mark St. Patrick’s Day. In both locations I had a wide range of engagements meeting political counterparts, Irish community engagements, and business engagements facilitated by the relevant state agencies.
In Texas I met with Governor Abbott. My political engagements in Washington included breakfast with the Vice President and First Lady, and a bilateral meeting with President Trump.
A wide range of issues were discussed across these engagements including US-Irish bilateral relations, including economic relations, developments in Northern Ireland, and global issues including the Middle East and Ukraine. The importance of energy security in a more uncertain world, and the cost of energy as a key input to industry, came up in some meetings. I highlighted the importance of the transition to renewable sources with the strong potential for off-shore wind for Ireland in that regard. I also stressed the need for energy security in the interim, in which LNG can play a part.
My very full programme did not include meeting the communities named in the Deputy’s Question.