Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 May 2026
258. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment his views in relation to a floating gas terminal on the Shannon Estuary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34181/26]
View answerIn March 2025, I received Government approval to proceed with the development of a State-led strategic gas emergency reserve. The delivery of a strategic gas emergency reserve is critical to Ireland’s energy security as we continue to transition to indigenous, clean renewable energy. Crucially, the strategic gas emergency reserve will also ensure compliance with EU standards and regulation.
The emergency reserve will be in the form of a Floating Storage and Regassification Unit (FSRU), to be owned on behalf of the State by the system operator Gas Networks Ireland (GNI).
The operation of the strategic gas emergency reserve will be underpinned by policy and legislation that my Department is progressing as a matter of priority.
This Government remains committed to taking decisive action to radically reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and has greatly boosted the share of renewables in our increasingly electrified energy system. Ireland has recently reached 8GW of renewable electricity capacity, and almost 50% of electricity came from renewable sources in February 2026.
