Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 January 2026
256. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment given the ongoing instability caused by the USA foreign policy and potential for economic sanctions and tariffs between the EU and USA, if the Government developed contingency plans for alternative energy supply given Ireland’s reliance on importing US petroleum and gas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5741/26]
View answerIreland imports oil as both crude oil and refined petroleum products. Crude oil is processed at the Whitegate refinery which supplies approximately 25% of Ireland’s total oil demand. Over the past five years, Ireland has imported on average 60–70% of its crude oil from the United States.
Approximately 75% of Ireland's oil demand is sourced through the importation of Refined petroleum products, primarily from the United Kingdom, the Amsterdam–Rotterdam–Antwerp (ARA) region and other European suppliers. Less than 4% of refined product imports were sourced from the USA in 2024.
In addition, Ireland, through NORA, holds 90 days oil reserves.
Natural gas is sourced from indigenous production at the Corrib gas field and imports via the Moffat interconnection point to the UK gas network.
The development of the Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve is being progressed as a priority and this will further enhance the energy security of Ireland.
My Department works with a variety of agencies, including the IEA, around emergency planning in the energy sector in order to prepare for a range of different scenarios. This work is ongoing and reflects any particular developments that may warrant specific attention.
