Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2026
198. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the measures he is taking to ensure that the proposed strategic gas reserve is not exploited for commercial uses; if he anticipates that commercial LNG will be developed as a result of this proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14623/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn March 2025, the Government approved the development of a State-led strategic gas emergency reserve. The delivery of a temporary gas 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 strategic gas emergency reserve will operate on a non-commercial basis and it will be owned and operated by the gas system operator Gas Networks Ireland. This strategic gas emergency reserve will be delivered in the form of a floating storage and regassification unit (FSRU). The liquefied natural gas (LNG) will be held in reserve for use in the event of a significant disruption to gas supplies to protect Ireland's economy and society from energy curtailments. The FSRU will be divested when no longer required to secure Ireland's energy systems.
My Department is progressing the delivery of this project as a matter of priority. The operation of the strategic gas emergency reserve will be underpinned by policy and legislation to give effect to this non-commercial basis.
Ireland operates within an open and transparent legal, regulatory and planning and consenting framework. The Government policy on reducing our reliance on fossil fuels is set out in the Programme for Government.
Any application for commercial LNG infrastructure will be subject to the statutory planning, consenting and regulatory approvals by relevant bodies, and the provisions of the relevant legislation will apply.
