The Programme for Government and current energy policy are focused on implementation and delivery, all in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase renewable energy generation, improve energy efficiency and ensure our energy security in the short and long term.
As part of ensuring our energy policy is robust, my Department engaged the International Energy Agency (IEA) in 2024 to undertake a holistic energy security study for Ireland in the context of recommendations in the:
- McCarthy Review of Electricity Security of Supply,
- the 2024 IEA policy Review of Ireland ; and
- my Department’s Energy Security in Ireland to 2030 report.
In December 2025, I welcomed the publication of the IEA report 'Powering Ireland's Energy Future'. The report takes into account those aspects of our energy system mentioned in the Question: energy security, renewable generation, grid development and storage, as well as many others and provides an assessment of Ireland's Energy Security to 2035. The report and the associated independent technical assessment of the role of the power sector in achieving Ireland's policy objectives of decarbonisation and energy security will serve as a starting point for a cross-government programme of work during 2026 to consult on the role of the energy sector in delivering security, competitiveness, and sustainability across Irish society into the 2030s.
Furthermore, one of the core recommendations of the report is to develop a cross sectoral and unified energy security strategy. An Energy Strategy Section has been created in my Department to lead on the development of such a strategy and as part of developing the strategy, engagement with stakeholders and with existing frameworks, such as those mentioned by the Deputy will take place.
