Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 May 2024
101. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the estimated timeline for the proposed acquisition of a floating storage and regasification unit and construction of ancillary grid-connection facilities, if approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23640/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra103. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the relative risks pertaining to the probability of gas supply disruption from the UK, given the presence of two separate Moffat pipelines, outweigh the climate risks, at national and international level, associated with the inevitable emissions from a proposed new floating storage and regasification unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23642/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 101 and 103 together.
In order for Ireland to ensure adequate resilience in case of a major disruption to our gas imports, we plan to introduce a Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve as a transitional measure to address security needs in the medium-term, to be used only if a disruption to gas supplies occurs.
My Department, in consultation with Gas Networks Ireland, the transmission system operator, will complete a detailed examination of the optimal approach to deliver the emergency gas reserve which will include consideration of timeline for construction and climate objectives, among other factors.
The proposal will be developed in accordance with specific criteria requirements including:
• a proposal which can be implemented quickly
• a proposal which does not inadvertently increase gas demand by increasing the supply available on the market
• a cost-effective proposal at the appropriate scale which provides sufficient resilience if a disruption to gas supply occurs, and
• a proposal which is compatible with the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015-21
All opportunities to accelerate the potential implementation of this project will be explored on the basis of its strategic importance.
I will return to Government for a final decision on this matter later this year.
