Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 April 2026
111. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the way in which he is enhancing energy security specifically with regard to diversifying sources of supply in order to cushion Ireland from global energy shocks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27302/26]
View answerOil and gas supplies to Ireland are secure. The impact has been on price impact rather than supply. The duration of high prices of these internationally traded commodities depends on the evolving geopolitical situation. Ireland is working closely with the EU and International Energy Agency including monitoring impacts on sources of supply.
Ireland holds 85 days' supply of stocks of oil. The National Oil Reserves Agency (NORA) manages the State's Strategic Reserves. My Department has convened the Oil Security of Supply Group which meets weekly and consists of relevant Government Departments and Agencies, in addition to the Fuels for Ireland representative body and oil companies. At a meeting on April 7th industry confirmed that they had secured supply into mid-May. Ireland’s fuel supply chains remain robust and reliable.
At this time, Ireland’s gas supply is secure, with no disruption expected in the short-term due to the situation in the Gulf. Approximately 20% of Ireland’s gas is supplied domestically from the Corrib natural gas field, and we also have small volumes of indigenous biomethane being injected into the national gas network. The balance comes via Ireland’s two interconnectors with the UK. The UK’s gas supply is highly diversified with the majority coming from the UK Continental Shelf via the North Sea and Norway. Remaining gas is sourced from international markets via Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), UK gas storage and two interconnectors to the Continent.
'Energy Security in Ireland to 2030' strategy set out a clear vision to increase Ireland’s energy security by reducing reliance on fossil fuels and increasing domestic production of renewable energy and delivery of our ambitious renewable and electrification targets set out in the Climate Action Plan will be key in this regard.
