Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2026
172. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment his assessment of whether the development of an LNG reserve in Clare contravenes the State's climate obligations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14771/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn March of last year, I received Government approval to develop a State-led strategic gas emergency reserve. The delivery of a temporary gas reserve is critical to Ireland's energy security as we transition to indigenous, clean renewable energy. Crucially, the strategic gas emergency reserve will also ensure compliance with EU standards and regulations.
The State-led, temporary nature of the reserve ensures that the risk of stranded fossil fuel assets is reduced, that the reserve will be used for emergency use only, and that it does not support increased gas demand with a view to minimising impacts on greenhouse gas emissions. 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. This, however, means greater reliance on gas to provide sufficient flexibility and backup for secure electricity supplies at times of low renewable output.
My Department is developing the appropriate policy and legislative measures to ensure that the strategic reserve provides resilience to our energy system in a manner that is compatible with Ireland's legally binding 2030 and 2050 greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets, as outlined in the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2021.
