Sinn Féin spokesperson on the Environment and Climate Action, Darren O’Rourke TD, has welcomed the publication of the long overdue Energy Security Review, and called on the government to rapidly accelerate our energy independence, reduce electricity prices and cut fossil fuel use. 

The Meath East TD said:

“Today’s report confirmed what we already knew – that Ireland needs to urgently improve its energy security. 

“It did not have to be this way. Decades of energy system mismanagement by successive Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Green Party led governments have produced the situation we find ourselves in today.

“They have failed to properly manage the energy transition, to match supply with demand, and to develop our massive offshore wind capacity has left us reliant on fossil fuels and exposed us to extreme volatility in the international energy markets.

“And despite going on for over four years now, we are still awaiting a definitive answer on Ireland’s pathway to energy security and independence. Today’s report confirmed that we will have to wait until mid 2024 for yet another review – this time on the ‘optimal approach to deliver a Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve’.

“While Sinn Féin regrets that the government appear content, yet again, to kick the can down the road, we are urging them to ensure that any proposal must be balanced alongside the three legs of the energy trilemma – security, affordability and sustainability – and that our obligations under the Climate Action Plan must not be sacrificed. 

“We are also calling on the government to deliver long-term gas storage. Kinsale gas field presents a promising option. They must also rapidly accelerate the roll out of renewables, including addressing the delays in our beleaguered planning system (with an average 92 week wait-time for approval as opposed to the statutory maximum of 18 weeks) and our overstrained grid. 

“Ireland will only meet the predicted 34% increase in electricity demand by 2030 if we meet our 2030 renewables targets.

“However, Ireland is not on track, with many industry stakeholders predicting we will fall far short. As one of the most energy dependent countries in the EU with limited diversity of supply, without an ambitious change in plans from the government, Ireland’s energy security will continue to be far from certain.”