Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 July 2025
183. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will commission an independent risk-assessment of introducing Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) infrastructure into Ireland given the recent comments by Predator Oil and Gas CEO, Paul Griffiths, in relation to the risk of such a facility exploding, such as the 2022 Freeport LNG vapour cloud explosion in Texas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35813/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraA robust and fit-for-purpose gas safety framework is essential to protect lives and property and is of the utmost priority for my Department as we seek to deliver the strategic gas emergency reserve (SGER) as per the Government decision of 4 March 2025.
The selection of the Floating Storage and Regassification Unit (FSRU) as the preferred technology solution by Gas Networks Ireland, the gas transmission system operator, on behalf of the State, was conducted through a comprehensive evaluation framework aligned with international best practice. The process used a combination of pass/fail, multi-criteria analysis, and options appraisal methods to rigorously assess the options’ ability to meet key strategic factors, with safety at the forefront.
Liquified natural gas (LNG) is one of the main methods used for storing natural gas. It is a method deployed at scale internationally and subject to thorough national and EU safety legislation and regulations. The Health and Safety Authority, under the aegis of the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, and the Commission for Regulation of Utilities, under my Department, will have roles in the safety regulation of the FSRU offshore and its associated transmission infrastructure onshore. My Department is working with all relevant stakeholders to scope the current and envisaged gas safety framework as it relates to LNG and the FSRU. This will continue to be developed at every step of the engineering design for the FSRU.
