Energy Policy

Wednesday, 10 December 2025

Questions (98)

Barry Ward

Question:

98. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment for an update regarding the 2021 Government policy statement on the importation of fracked gas (details supplied); if he agrees that the previously identified requirements to ensure security of fossil gas supply have been addressed via the development of a strategic national gas reserve facility; if his attention has been drawn to multiple studies that have shown that compliance with the legally binding carbon budget programme and with the Programme for Government commitment to "to achieve a 51% reduction in GHG emissions from 2018 to 2030 and net-zero emissions no later than 2050"; if he will state clearly that development of any commercial LNG import facility in the State would be contrary to the achievement of the Government's climate policy objectives and responsibilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70646/25]

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Written answers

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment

As outlined in the Programme for Government, this Government is committed to taking decisive action to radically reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and to achieve a 51% reduction in emissions from 2018 to 2030, and to achieving net-zero emissions no later than 2050.

The Programme for Government set out the commitment to achieving 80% of Ireland’s electricity generation from renewable sources by 2030 and to take all necessary action to ensure and protect Ireland’s energy security. It is through delivering on this commitment that we will deliver a secure and sustainable energy future.

The commitment to a secure energy future builds upon the 'Energy Security in Ireland to 2030' report, approved by Government in November 2023. The report includes 28 actions and is defined by three policy objectives: sustainability, affordability, and security.

Action 17 of the Plan is the development of a State-led strategic gas reserve. On 4 March this year, Government approved the development of a State-led strategic gas emergency reserve, in the form of a Floating Storage and Regasification Unit, for use in the event of an interruption to gas supplies.

The 2021 'Policy Statement on the Importation of Fracked Gas' notes that the statement will remain in place pending the completion of the review of Ireland’s energy security. The approval of this Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve marks that completion. The Policy Statement on the Importation of Fracked Gas no longer remains in place.

Any application for fossil fuel infrastructure in Ireland will be subject to the planning, consenting and regulatory approvals by relevant bodies and the provision of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2021 will apply.