Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2026
91. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the key measures taken on enhance energy security and production capacity since January 2025; his priorities for same for the rest of 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53449/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe key measures which have been taken to enhance energy security and production capacity during 2025 as well as actions for each year up to 2030 are outlined in the Energy Security in Ireland to 2030 report which was published in November 2023.
This report outlines a strategy to ensure energy security in Ireland for this decade, while also ensuring a sustainable transition to a carbon neutral energy system by 2050.
The report was published as part of an Energy Security Package containing a range of supplementary analyses, consultations, and reviews, which have informed the recommendations and actions related to energy security.
The 28 actions outlined in Energy Security in Ireland to 2030 are overseen by the Energy Security Group (ESG), which is chaired by the Secretary General of my Department and attended by officials from relevant Government Departments and Agencies. My priority for 2026 is to see all outstanding actions progressed and timelines adhered to.
The table below provides an update of the actions to end Q1 2026.
In terms of renewables in relation to energy production, there is nearly 8.2 GW of installed renewable electricity capacity in Ireland, with over 5 GW of onshore wind and over 2.6 GW of solar capacity installed. We regularly generate 40-50% of our monthly electricity demand from renewable sources, reaching peaks of 75% of electricity demand being met by renewables. Ireland will have 5 GW of offshore wind in construction by 2030, subject to planning.
The Government has also set a target of 2GW of modern flexible gas fired generation by 2030 to support the system during low renewable periods and anticipates that up to 600MW of capacity could deliver this year.
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ACTION |
STATUS |
ESTIMATED TIMELINE FOR DELIVERY |
|
1. To transpose the European Energy Efficiency Directive |
IN PROGRESS |
Work is ongoing to progress the transposition of the Energy Efficiency Directive. |
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2. To standardise the approach used to evaluate the affordability of new and existing policy initiatives on consumers |
IN PROGRESS |
Ongoing. Priorities have been realigned under the PfG resulting in the establishment of a National Energy Affordability Taskforce (NEAT). The drafting, publication and implementation of a National Energy Affordability Action Plan will be a key output of the NEAT. The relevant actions in the ESP are being incorporated into the work programme of the NEAT. Two meetings of the neat have taken place in Q1 of 2026. |
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3. To improve the ways that homes and businesses can manage their energy use by providing an evidence-based programme of communications activity and by supporting ‘active consumers’ through smart metering and smart energy services |
IN PROGRESS |
Ongoing. The National Energy Demand Strategy and consumer strategy in particular will assist consumers in managing their energy use. In addition, there are a number of more medium term measures under way in DCEE and its agencies towards this end, including the work of the Heat and Built Environment Taskforce (retrofitting, renewable heat, district heating networks, decarbonisation of heating and operational energy use optimisation in the building stock), SEAI’s Pathfinder programme for the public sector and DCEE’s Commercial roadmap for businesses seeking to decarbonise. |
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4. To review gas connection policy and introduce gas demand flexibility measures |
IN PROGRESS |
Ongoing. CRU’s Large Energy User (LEU) connection policy was published in December, which establishes a pathway for new data centres to seek connection to the electricity system. |
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5.To identify and support new, innovative approaches to integrating large-scale demand sustainably into Ireland’s energy systems that align with the overriding objective to decarbonise |
IN PROGRESS |
Large Energy User Connection Policy published by CRU 12th December 2025. Other related measures ongoing. |
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6. To utilise the National Energy and Climate Plan to ensure all policy incentives are aligned on a regular basis |
COMPLETE |
COMPLETE |
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7. To work within the updated European Electricity Market Design to continue to reduce emissions associated with Ireland’s conventional capacity over the medium-term |
IN PROGRESS |
2030 Consultation held in Q1 of 2026 on the options for decarbonisation of the Capacity Remuneration Mechanism (CRM). |
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8. To complete implementation of the CRU Security of Electricity Supply Programme |
IN PROGRESS |
2027 |
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9. To increase resilience by implementing an updated, risk-based, evidence-based reliability standard in the electricity sector |
COMPLETE |
COMPLETE |
|
10. To implement consenting reforms and align to planning reforms to provide greater certainty to the sector |
IN PROGRESS |
The Environment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2026 (No. 5 of 2026) was passed by both houses of the Oireachtas and signed into law on 12th March 2026. Supporting regulations to be developed over the course of 2026. |
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11. To ensure a fit for purpose electricity grid that supports Ireland’s energy and climate ambition |
IN PROGRESS |
Q4 2030 |
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12. To accelerate delivery of power system flexibility |
IN PROGRESS |
Ongoing |
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13. To successfully complete and integrate additional Electricity Interconnections |
IN PROGRESS |
The Celtic Interconnector is a 700 MW electricity interconnector currently being built between Brittany and East Cork, promoted, and developed by EirGrid, and French counterpart, Reseau de Transporte d’Électricite (RTÉ). Scheduled completion will be end of 2028. The Greenlink Interconnector project is a 500 MW subsea and underground electricity interconnector cable linking grids in Ireland (Wexford) and GB (Wales) with flow in both directions. It has been operational since Q1 2025. The MaresConnect Interconnector project between Ireland (Greater Dublin Area) and GB (Wales). Regulatory progress has seen cap and floor obtained in UK with Cap and Floor minded granting in Ireland with a final decision due 2026. Project commissioning is aimed for 2030. |
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14. To finalise studies to inform the development of long-term gas storage solutions which can store renewable gas, in particular hydrogen |
IN PROGRESS |
Research due Q4 2028 |
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15. To secure the existing onshore ‘Inch gas pipeline’ for wider strategic uses |
COMPLETE |
COMPLETE |
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16. To ensure a fit for purpose gas grid, that supports Ireland’s energy and climate ambition |
IN PROGRESS |
CRU and GNI are undertaking a number of initial measures to support this medium- to long-term action. |
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17. To create a Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve to protect Ireland in the event of a gas supply disruption as Ireland makes a secure transition to majority renewable energy |
IN PROGRESS |
Work on the Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve (SGER) project is progressing steadily, with recent site selection announcement achieving a crucial milestone. |
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18.To strengthen supply chain of secondary fuels for Gas-fired power generation |
IN PROGRESS |
Substantively completed in 2024, with ongoing analysis of this area to continue in 2026 between relevant bodies. |
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19. To resolve Long-Term Sourcing Issues for improved Oil Security |
COMPLETE |
COMPLETE |
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20. To expand the energy expertise and capacity available to Government and representing Ireland Internationally |
IN PROGRESS |
Chief Technical Adviser appointed, with a new team in place. Dedicated graduate recruitment in place. New International division established and resources at EU level enhanced. |
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21. To regularly review the scope, functions and resourcing of the delivery organisations that are driving the energy transition |
IN PROGRESS |
Ongoing |
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22. To integrate the forecasting framework for the electricity and gas sectors |
IN PROGRESS |
2027 |
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23. To extend International Energy Agreements to support energy security |
IN PROGRESS |
MoU in place and continuing engagement with the UK. |
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24. To continue to regularly Review Energy Emergency Exercises and Preparedness |
IN PROGRESS |
Ongoing. Exercises conducted, future exercises planned and actions being implemented following each Exercise. |
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25. To update the approach to Industry and Stakeholder Engagement in policy deliberation |
COMPLETE |
COMPLETE |
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26. To enhance energy sector oversight and governance |
IN PROGRESS |
Ongoing. Review of CRU ongoing to enhance oversight, governance, resources and engagement with the CRU. |
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27. To establish Annual Energy Security Reporting and Regular Energy Security Reviews |
IN PROGRESS |
SEAI published its 2025 outlook on Ireland’s energy supply and the security of that energy. |
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28. To establish a permanent Energy Security Group |
COMPLETE |
COMPLETE |
