Energy Policy

Thursday, 18 December 2025

Questions (135)

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Question:

135. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will provide an update on all of the actions in the energy security review; the estimated timeline for completion/delivery of each action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72249/25]

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Written answers

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment

Energy Security in Ireland to 2030 was published in November 2023 and outlines a strategy to ensure energy security in Ireland for this decade, while ensuring a sustainable transition to a carbon neutral energy system by 2050. The report was published as part of an Energy Security Package, containing a range of supplementary analyses, consultations, and reviews, which have informed the recommendations and actions related to energy security.

The 28 actions outlined in Energy Security in Ireland to 2030 are overseen by the Energy Security Group (ESG), which is chaired by the Secretary General of my Department and attended by officials from relevant Government Departments and Agencies.

The table below provides an update of the actions to end Q3 2025.

ACTION	STATUS	ESTIMATED TIMELINE FOR DELIVERY
1. To transpose the European Energy Efficiency Directive	IN PROGRESS	Several pieces of legislation which will transpose the majority of the Energy Efficiency Directive are nearing completion and it is anticipated that they will be enacted in Q1 2026. The Department is awaiting the publication of Commission guidance, which was originally due in March 2024, before it can complete the transposition of the remaining parts of the Directive. The Department has engaged with the Commission in relation to this.
2. To standardise the approach used to evaluate the affordability of new and existing policy initiatives on consumers	IN PROGRESS	Priorities have been realigned under the PfG resulting in the establishment of a National Energy Affordability Taskforce (NEAT). The drafting, publication and implementation of a National Energy Affordability Action Plan will be a key output of the NEAT. The relevant actions in the ESP are being incorporated into the work programme of the NEAT.
3. To improve the ways that homes and businesses can manage their energy use by providing an evidence-based programme of communications activity and by supporting ‘active consumers’ through smart metering and smart energy services	IN PROGRESS	Q1 2026 The National Energy Demand Strategy and consumer strategy in particular will assist consumers in managing their energy use. In addition, there are a number of more medium term measures under way in DCEE and its agencies towards this end, including the work of the Heat and Built Environment Taskforce (retrofitting, renewable heat, district heating networks, decarbonisation of heating and operational energy use optimisation in the building stock), SEAI’s Pathfinder programme for the public sector and DCEE’s Commercial roadmap for businesses seeking to decarbonise.
4. To review gas connection policy and introduce gas demand flexibility measures	IN PROGRESS	Q1 2026
5.To identify and support new, innovative approaches to integrating large-scale demand sustainably into Ireland’s energy systems that align with the overriding objective to decarbonise	IN PROGRESS	Q1 2026. Large Energy User Connection Policy published by CRU 12 December. Other related measures ongoing.
6. To utilise the National Energy and Climate Plan to ensure all policy incentives are aligned on a regular basis	COMPLETE	COMPLETE
7. To work within the updated European Electricity Market Design to continue to reduce emissions associated with Ireland’s conventional capacity over the medium-term	IN PROGRESS	2030
8. To complete implementation of the CRU Security of Electricity Supply Programme	IN PROGRESS	2027
9. To increase resilience by implementing an updated, risk-based, evidence-based reliability standard in the electricity sector	IN PROGRESS	2027
10. To implement consenting reforms and align to planning reforms to provide greater certainty to the sector	IN PROGRESS	Environment (Misc. Provisions) Bill, 2025 has completed Dáil Éireann, Third Stage. Primary legislation in place by end Q1 2026. Secondary legislation to be developed over the course of 2026 with phased implementation to end 2026.
11. To ensure a fit for purpose electricity grid that supports Ireland’s energy and climate ambition	IN PROGRESS	Q4 2030
12. To accelerate delivery of power system flexibility	IN PROGRESS	2026
13. To successfully complete and integrate additional Electricity Interconnections	IN PROGRESS	The Celtic Interconnector is a 700 MW electricity interconnector currently being built between Brittany and East Cork, promoted, and developed by EirGrid, and French counterpart, Reseau de Transporte d’Électricite (RTÉ). Scheduled completion will be Spring 2028. The Greenlink Interconnector project is a 500 MW subsea and underground electricity interconnector cable linking grids in Ireland (Wexford) and GB (Wales) with flow in both directions. It has been operational since Q1 2025. The MaresConnect Interconnector project between Ireland (Greater Dublin Area) and GB (Wales). Regulatory progress has seen cap and floor obtained in UK with Cap and Floor minded granting in Ireland with a final decision due 2026. Project commissioning is aimed for 2030.
14. To finalise studies to inform the development of long-term gas storage solutions which can store renewable gas, in particular hydrogen	IN PROGRESS	Research due Q4 2028
15. To secure the existing onshore ‘Inch gas pipeline’ for wider strategic uses	IN PROGRESS	Ongoing - Gas Networks Ireland (GNI), Ireland’s gas transmission system operator, is continuing to engage with relevant stakeholders.
16. To ensure a fit for purpose gas grid, that supports Ireland’s energy and climate ambition	IN PROGRESS	CRU and GNI are undertaking a number of initial measures to support this medium- to long-term action.
17. To create a Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve to protect Ireland in the event of a gas supply disruption as Ireland makes a secure transition to majority renewable energy	IN PROGRESS	Work on the Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve (SGER) project is progressing steadily, with recent site selection announcement achieving a crucial milestone.
18.To strengthen supply chain of secondary fuels for Gas-fired power generation	IN PROGRESS	Substantively completed in 2024, with ongoing analysis of this area to continue in 2026 between relevant bodies.
19. To resolve Long-Term Sourcing Issues for improved Oil Security	COMPLETE	Analysis commissioned and complete on Refining in Ireland
20. To expand the energy expertise and capacity available to Government and representing Ireland Internationally	IN PROGRESS	Chief Technical Adviser appointed, with a new team in place. Dedicated graduate recruitment in place. New International division established and resources at EU level enhanced.
21. To regularly review the scope, functions and resourcing of the delivery organisations that are driving the energy transition	IN PROGRESS	Ongoing.
22. To integrate the forecasting framework for the electricity and gas sectors	IN PROGRESS	2027
23. To extend International Energy Agreements to support energy security	IN PROGRESS	MoU in place and continuing engagement with the UK.
24. To continue to regularly Review Energy Emergency Exercises and Preparedness	IN PROGRESS	Ongoing. Exercises conducted, future exercises planned and actions being implemented following each Exercise.
25. To update the approach to Industry and Stakeholder Engagement in policy deliberation	IN PROGRESS	Ongoing across multiple forums.
26. To enhance energy sector oversight and governance	IN PROGRESS	Ongoing. Review of CRU ongoing to enhance oversight, governance, resources and engagement with the CRU.
27. To establish Annual Energy Security Reporting and Regular Energy Security Reviews	IN PROGRESS	2026
28. To establish a permanent Energy Security Group	COMPLETE	COMPLETE