Timmy Dooley
Clare · Fianna Fáil · Ireland
“I thank both Senators for the amendments they are putting forward and the sentiment behind them. I will deal with the points about the emergency. The Government made it very clear that a decision was taken, based on a decision taken by the previous Government in November 2024.”
“The State has taken a view, however, that is consistent with our desire and our commitments to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 2030, and onwards to 2040 and 2050, that this facility is strategic, as it says, that it is only for storage and that it is not meant to be a market play and cannot be a market play.”
“It is, but it is not an either-or situation. If €1 billion could sort it out with more batteries, wind or solar then that is the route we would be taking. We are investing very significant amounts of money in our electricity grid.”
“As the Senators know, the piece of kit – effectively the ship – will be leased in. There are a number of these around the world and they move on. First, we are not investing in the kind of infrastructure that had been a feature of discussions in the past.”
“All fossil fuels are harmful to the environment. The Senator is right that methane has a much higher concentration and is more impactful by what is referred to as the carbon dioxide equivalence. It is much greater than carbon dioxide but it also has shorter life in the atmosphere. It dissipates over time whereas carbon dioxide does not.”
“If we were to do it, however, to get the private sector to pay for the security - I think it is accepted on all sides that there is a necessity for some security in terms of the gas supply - and if the Government were to say it would provide that through a market-led private consortium and initiate an auction to allow entities around the…”
The complete record
Every one of 1,042 lines we hold for Timmy Dooley, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 17 of 21.
“Clearly, this stands as an evidence-based decision on the part of IFI, carrying out due diligence across scientific, environmental and conservation grounds. I trust the Deputy will appreciate the rationale based on those decisions. It is a complex issue which anglers are not entirely happy with. I have to put on record the basis for it.”
“On the basis of international best practice, as reflected in the NASCO guidelines, salmon ranching was therefore not advised in either catchment to supplement the wild salmon populations. Even for degraded wild populations, stocking of ranched smolts from hatcheries in general is not advised in rivers where the wild stock has the potential to naturally rehabilitate. A decision was sought from the board of IFI as to the continued production of smolts from 2026 onwards. At its meeting on 30 June, the board, in consideration of all the facts outlined, took the decision to cease production of ranched salmon smolts at Cong hatchery and their release into the Erriff and Corrib catchments. Returning adult ranched salmon shall continue to be removed and recorded for several more years until returns cease for the Erriff and Corrib catchments.”
“In some cases, stocking has been linked to declines in wild population productivity and reduced wild fish individual fitness. The scientifically accepted view indicates that human interference in the mating selection has the risk of affecting the fitness of the offspring. Both the Erriff and Corrib catchments have sizeable stocks of wild salmon to meet their natural reproductive capacity and do not require supplementation with the hatchery stock. Research advice details that the Corrib wild Atlantic salmon stock was assessed as being above its conservation limit in all years since 2007, as has the Erriff, with the exception of 2025, when it was assessed as marginally below that limit.”
“According to international evidence-based guidelines from the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organization, NASCO, there is no conservation basis for the farmed production of smolts, given the status of wild salmon populations in the Corrib and Erriff catchments. It follows that there is no benefit to wild salmon populations from the release of ranched smolts into those systems. The presence of ranched fish can result in interbreeding with wild salmon, which are genetically unique to each system. This has a range of well-known risks to the wild stock as outlined by NASCO, which has advised: Risks associated with stocking have been well documented and largely result from the relaxation of natural selection and the impacts of domestication leading to maladaptation and reduced individual fitness.”
“For many years, the hatchery has produced salmon smolts for release into the Corrib and Erriff catchments, initially to address declining stocks, as the Deputy identified, following a disease outbreak, and later to support research around salmon return rates and sea lice, and angling for Atlantic salmon. Together with officials, I have liaised with IFI on the decision to close the Cong salmon hatchery. IFI has indicated to me that it no longer has any requirement for access to what it refers to as ranched smolts. Moreover, and I think this is the important piece, there are some scientific concerns regarding the impact of ranched salmon being released into a special area of conservation and the potential negative impact on wild populations of Atlantic salmon. There is no longer a research requirement within IFI to produce smolts.”
“I thank Deputy Connolly for raising this issue. I know of his great interest in the angling sector. He is passionate about this issue and it is very close to his heart. He has had a number of discussions with me about angling, generally. I must begin by putting on the record that operational matters such as this are the preserve of IFI. I have no direct capacity to force it to do anything other than follow its duties. It does not fall to the Minister in this regard. I have been in discussion with IFI to try to understand more fully and clearly what the issue is. I understand that in July of this year, IFI notified the Department that a board decision had been taken to cease the operations of the Cong salmon hatchery in north Galway. The hatchery is a complex of buildings, ponds and a rearing station owned and operated by IFI.”
“We need to look legislatively at addressing pollution in our rivers. We need to look at those sites that are regulated through the EPA and others. I have asked IFI to carry out a piece of work to understand if the sanctions that are in place for breaches of emissions into the river basins are adequate to act as a deterrent. I am conscious that that work needs to be done. In the coming days, I will be directing IFI to work with all the other agencies involved in water monitoring to put in place an appropriate protocol to deal with an emergency situation such as we have seen. No time must be lost in attempting to trace the source of the effluents that get into our watercourses.”
“Support is also being provided for the delivery of marine protected areas and the wider implementation of the marine strategy framework directive and to support the delivery of the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority, which will enable it to deliver on its remit as a regulator for the maritime area. Budget 2026 includes significant investment in offshore renewable energy data mapping. Resources are also provided for Inland Fisheries Ireland to protect, manage and conserve Ireland’s inland fisheries and sea angling resources. We have seen the very significant impact of a fish kill in the Blackwater recently. We are looking at empowering IFI further to be able to bring a whole-of-sector approach to address those kinds of crises which we hope will not be something in the future.”
“It is a priority because as we capture more electricity to decarbonise our economy and move away from fossil fuels, we need to develop a pipeline of projects to ensure we continue to attract the large amount of foreign direct investment and attract the large companies to remain here in that period. Decarbonisation is important not only for a better environment but also to develop cleaner and cheaper methods of heating our homes and living our lives. The Government is committed to doing that. Funding will also supplement and support the existing service level agreement with the Marine Institute that is providing essential data and other advisory services on the national DMAP for ORE project.”
“In the past five years alone, more than 1 million tonnes above the scientifically advised mackerel quota has been caught. I want to see market access conditional on compliance with sustainability rules. The Department and Government will work with the industry to find a pathway through to longer term viability and sustainability of our coastal communities. As Minister of State with responsibility for the marine affairs division in the Department of Climate, Energy and Environment, l am delighted to announce that funding has been secured to deliver the national designated maritime area plan, DMAP, for offshore renewable energy. The development of a national DMAP for ORE is a priority for the Department over the next two years.”
“The ICES issues annual scientific advice used by the EU to set fishing quotas. We must consider the socioeconomic implications of these recommendations. The total estimated value of the Irish refrigerated seawater vessel sector this year at first point of sale is €100 million. Mackerel is Ireland’s most valuable catch, worth €94 million in exports last year to premium European and Asian markets. Across the whole of the fishing sector, there is the potential for over 800 jobs to be impacted by these cuts. I will be working with Government colleagues to try to develop a response to meet the needs and expectations of our coastal communities and ensure their long-term viability. We need to see stronger EU action against non-EU states that continue flagrant overfishing of shared stocks, which has created this crisis in fish stocks.”
“I welcome the opportunity to contribute to this important debate. As Minister of State with responsibility for marine in the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine, I am pleased to announce that I have secured a significant budget of almost €158 million to support the fisheries sector for 2026. This funding will continue to provide support across capital infrastructure projects in our fishery harbour centres and the seafood development programme as well as supporting the excellent work being carried out by our marine agencies towards the economic and environmental sustainability of the seafood sector. Last week’s International Council for the Exploration of the Sea, ICES, recommendations on 2026 fish stocks, particularly those of importance to Ireland, will pose a significant challenge to the Irish fishing sector.”
“I am very conscious of that. When there are entities and corporations that are prepared to invest their own capital in such schemes, it is an appropriate way to progress and grow our economy. We see the same in housing. It is about bringing in private capital to support infrastructure. It allows us to move more quickly and ensures that the State is not left funding all of it. For that reason, the Government is in full agreement with the Deputy that this important legislation needs to progress without delay.”
“It is a priority of the Government. It was identified in the programme for Government as something that needs to be addressed and one on which no time will be lost. I thank the Deputy for his interest.”
“Following Cabinet approval the Department will work closely with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel to commence drafting on the Bill in the new year before seeking Oireachtas approval. The legislation will be drafted to reflect the guiding principles of the policy statement and clarify the necessary regulations to build private wires in the policies for specified use cases. Plenty of examples have been brought to my attention, some of which are in my own constituency, where there are significant constraints on the capacity of the grid to meet the growing demand from industry, data centres and housing. There is an abundance of sites that are able to bring that electricity to the grid. It will be a useful tool in working our way around the constraints that are currently preventing significant development taking place.”
“I expect that the general scheme of the private wires Bill will be submitted for Cabinet approval by quarter 4 of this year. I will keep the House updated on that matter.”
“As the Deputy said, Cabinet approved the private wires policy on 15 July, details of which have been published on the Government website. The policy allows for private wires to be developed in four scenarios: to permit private wires linking a single generation asset to a demand site; to facilitate hybrid connections; where possible to facilitate EV charging; and to allow a customer that self-supplies to provide electricity to a separate customer in a contiguous premises. Work on drafting the necessary legislation to support the policy is now ongoing within our Department and the intention is to bring this legislation to Cabinet for approval in the near term. As I said, the Department is working with the Office of the Attorney General to progress legislative reform to implement the recently published private wires policy.”
“I have outlined the Government position but that is not to suggest that others who have an interest or some ideas on this should not interrogate the information and the ideas and look into the future as to what is available elsewhere. Of course, I am sure there are educational facilities and research projects that could be engaged by those who are like-minded. From the Government's perspective it is now about being really focused on what we need to do to deliver and not becoming distracted from that. Of course, debates will exist elsewhere. On a personal level, I am happy to look at and review any data that emerges there. I have the answer to the question. I was thrown a bit by Deputy Byrne appearing when the question said-----”
“It is a bit like recognising what you are good at, and we have become good at renewables. We have become good at wind, we are getting really good at solar and we are now starting to embrace, on a wave of investment, offshore. That is where we should focus our attention.”
“I thank both Deputies. I know of their personal interest because both of them, on many occasions, have spoken to me about the necessity to look at that. The Government has taken a decision, and it is a decision that is probably based on historical context, going back to the early seventies when there were proposals at Carnsore to build a nuclear facility and there was a very significant public outcry. I do not think it has ever been revisited since. I take the Deputy's point regarding the newer technologies and small-scale nuclear reactors, which are still somewhat commercially available but there are only a couple of examples, as I understand it, around the world where they are deployed. Other countries have a march on it and are ahead of us on that, and they have built a wealth of experience and knowledge in that area.”
“This will involve the development of a balanced portfolio of technologies, including storage, to complement other measures such as demand-side response, network development and interconnection to ensure a safe and secure electricity system with increased levels of renewables.”
“Yes. Nuclear fission-powered electricity generation plants are prohibited in Ireland. The use of nuclear fission for the generation of electricity in Ireland is statutorily prohibited under section 18(6) of the Electricity Regulation Act 1999. It is also of note that no action on nuclear power was included as part of the programme for Government in 2025, Securing Ireland's Future. The programme for Government does not, however, set out the commitment of this Government to achieving 80% of Ireland's electricity generation from renewable sources by 2030. Our climate action plans recognise that enabling such a transformation of our energy systems will also require a range of supporting measures.”
“We are trying to advance the two pieces together, both identifying the areas suitable for development for the generation of electricity and protecting our marine environment in line with our international commitments.”
“The Deputy has raised an important point on the environmental aspect, and the construction of certain structures can have that ability to pull together those microsystems. Part of my role in the Department is about ensuring that we meet our commitments - Deputy Whitmore will be familiar with this - in regard to the marine protected areas, an important feature and commitment that we have given to designate 30% of our seas by 2030. In that context, under the same legislation, we hope to move relatively quickly on that. It will not preclude certain development on certain sites that are to be protected from a marine environmental protection perspective, and can give rise to assisting the growth and development of certain biodiversity that was under threat or has already been lost in a significant way.”
“The Government moved from that to a plan-led approach whereby the State will identify the areas that are suitable and will work with communities and stakeholders to try to ensure that there is not that level of objection when it goes to the planning process. This is what we are doing now. We announced last Friday a full national DMAP, to follow on from the one in existence, to ensure a plan-led approach and a consultative approach with stakeholders, whether they be fishermen, other sea users or the communities where the infrastructure will have to be built in the first instance to serve the sites or where a grid will have to be built to bring it ashore. While we were slow getting started, we have an appropriate system in place now that I feel is certainly working but the important thing is to get it moving as quickly as possible.”
“The Deputy will be aware that with the passage of the national marine planning legislation back in 2021, where we introduced the approach through the designated marine area plans, the approach to identifying those sites and the approach to engaging with stakeholders in a very open and transparent way, it has worked well. Our first DMAP was launched in this House in October of last year and was not judicially reviewed, which to me was a clear indication that the process and the legislative basis on which it was founded is working. It is about that kind of engagement and planning ahead. The approach we had taken up to this was about leaving it up to developers to identify sites. They were known as the phase 1 projects, such as the two the Deputy referred to.”
“Delivering on this capacity, combined with our 5 GW of existing installed wind capacity, will bring us closer to achieving our national ambition of 9 GW of onshore wind and 5 GW of offshore wind in the very near future.”
“Taking all of them into account, the total installed wind generation capacity has reached over 5 GW. Industry sources indicate that approximately 2.5 GW of onshore wind capacity has secured planning permission but is not yet built and that another approximate 1.5 GW of projects are seeking planning permission or are the subject of judicial review. The Government remains committed to the development of 5 GW of offshore wind capacity with projects in construction by 2030 and energised as soon as feasible thereafter. Projects from the ORESS-1, accounting for 3 GW, are progressing through the planning process within An Comisiún Pleanála. Separately, the 900 MW Tonn Nua site within the south coast DMAP will go to auction this autumn.”
“Wind generation is supported mainly through the legacy renewable energy feed-in tariff, REFIT, schemes and the renewable electricity support scheme, RESS, and funded also through public service obligations, PSO. These supports are a critical enabler of the investment needed to underpin a renewables-led energy system. Over the 2025-26 PSO year, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities reports that over 3.3 GW of wind capacity was supported by the PSO. Of this, more than 2.9 GW was supported under the REFIT and over 0.4 GW under the RESS, with over 1 GW of solar also supported under the RESS. In addition to that capacity, some wind farms operate without PSO support, selling directly into the market or under private power-purchase agreements.”
“It is about giving certainty, first of all, that the Government is absolutely committed to offshore renewables and then showing that there is a pipeline, not just with those additional three but also around our coastline, as we progress towards 2040, by which point we have commitments to generate up to 20 GW of electricity off our shoreline. We are keenly aware of the necessity to do exactly as the Deputy has identified and I thank him for his interest in that area.”
“I know the Deputy's interest and concern in this from conversations and consultations that I, other Ministers and the Department have had with those who will seek to build out these facilities. The next auction, as I said, will be later this year. We are hopeful there will be a number of bidders. The important thing then for those who do not win is that they see a further opportunity. One will obviously win. There may be three, four or whatever number of others. It is important from our perspective that we can show that there is a pipeline of opportunities for the others to follow quickly. We are very conscious of that. Some work has to be done between the Department and EirGrid to develop options for further connecting the grid to lead on to those three sites within the overall DMAP.”
“That national DMAP will ultimately designate renewable energy sites around Ireland’s coast that are suitable for offshore wind development, including fixed, floating and floating demonstration locations. The proposal set out information on the scope of the overall plan, timeframes and the required steps in the development of the DMAP over the next two years, as well as the Government’s commitment to extensive and inclusive consultation with the public and stakeholders throughout the process.”
“A further pipeline of development sites within the national DMAP will follow from 2028 onwards. However, the precise approach to bringing the remaining three south coast DMAP sites to auction may depend on a range of factors, including grid connection options, availability of engineering and environmental data, and market conditions. These matters are being examined in consultation with the offshore wind industry with a view to bringing the sites to auction from 2026 onwards. Separately, just last week, the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, and I announced the publication of the national DMAP proposal and accompanying public participation statement.”
“I thank Deputy McCarthy and note his interest in this important issue. The south coast designated maritime area plan, DMAP, was adopted by the Oireachtas in 2024 and designates four development areas for fixed-bottom offshore wind development. An auction process is due to commence on 22 September for the first of these areas, the so-called Tonn Nua site, with capacity for a 900 MW offshore wind farm. We anticipate that a winner will be announced for this site on 9 December. The Tonn Nua project is expected to be operational by 2034 subject to planning consent, which is the next wave of it. Specifically then on the Deputy's area of concern, arrangements are being made to bring the remaining three south coast DMAP sites to market, ensuring a consistent pipeline of offshore developments will take place over the coming years.”
“A scheme has been deployed for those most under threat of energy poverty where the entirety of the cost is recovered. That is clearly for those in low income homes, whether they be elderly or significantly dependent on social supports. The Deputy should not hold me to this but I think 25,000 homes have been upgraded in that particular sphere. That is an area that can be looked at. This will require further review but any investment in a home to reduce CO2 output, rather than going for the full retrofit, would be beneficial and helpful to the environment so it may be possible to look at some staging measures. I accept there are people for whom a ten-year cycle would be significant and would probably preclude them in terms of their own thinking.”
“People are willing and better educated about the benefits for the wider aspect of society but I fully agree with the Deputy that we have to make this financially viable and demonstrate there is a financial return through reduced costs over time. Of course, upgrading somebody's home is improving an asset and preserving and protecting it into the future. I thank the Deputy for his interest.”
“I thank the Deputy for pointing that out. That has been a feature. As we go to the air to water systems the costs are significant but the long-term rewards are real. When homes are brought up to a higher energy rating and appropriately insulated, there is a significant financial reward over time. When that is coupled with the use of solar panels, that reduces consumption in the first instance, thereby reducing bills. At the end of the day, society is changing a lot in being mindful of our CO2 emissions but until it is made financially feasible and viable people will not be minded to take the next step, which is to invest their own money in protecting the environment more generally.”
“While I am aware, and it can be seen from the numbers, that it probably did not drive on as quickly as people expected, now that there are the array of lenders and with that campaign being organised I expect there to be a significant uptake. The 3% interest rate in the current market is a very good rate and one we all have a duty insofar as we can to try to promote within our own spheres of influence.”
“In 2025, the group of participating lenders has been expanded to include Avant Money in partnership with An Post and seven credit unions from the Irish League of Credit Unions. By the end of 2024, 245 loans to a value of €11.9 million were drawn down, and by the end of June 2025 this had risen to 580 loans to a value of €28.5 million. In line with the programme for Government, in addition to expanding the number of lenders under the scheme, a key focus of the Department across 2025 has been the continued promotion of the scheme to drive uptake. This also includes the progression of a comprehensive marketing and communications campaign to scale up activity in the home energy upgrade loan scheme.”
“The home energy upgrade loan scheme, HEULS, was launched in April 2024. It is intended to play a crucial role in helping homeowners invest in their energy upgrades to make their homes warmer, healthier and more comfortable with lower emissions and lower bills. It was developed by my Department in conjunction with the Department of Finance, Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland, SBCI, Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, SEAI, and European Investment Bank. The scheme is available nationwide and homeowners can borrow from €5,000 to €75,000 on an unsecured basis for a term of up to ten years at significantly lower interest rates than those currently on the market. Rates start from as low as 2.99% depending on the finance provider. PTSB was the first lender to join in April 2024. AIB and Bank of Ireland joined in June 2024.”
“The Deputy has identified some areas. It is in the interests of the Government to work with those communities that are most affected to ensure that the transition is as seamless as possible. That is a big statement, because no matter what was done, there was going to be a significant impact on those communities.”
“In fairness to the Deputy, he has always made those points. I appreciate his interest in this matter. The Minister, Deputy Darragh O'Brien, launched a public consultation on the development of Ireland's social climate plan last Thursday. The plan will set out measures to be financed under the EU Social Climate Fund over the period 2026 to 2032. The EU Social Climate Fund is the first EU fund developed with the explicit purpose of alleviating potential energy and transport poverty occurring from the transition towards clean mobility and decarbonised built environment. There may be some opportunities arising from that fund for the Deputy to focus on. We are trying to ensure that the funds that are available meet the needs of those who were impacted to the greatest extent as a result of moving away from the harvesting of peat in the region.”
“I have an extensive list, which I can share with the Deputy. If there is a necessity to meet with some of his constituents about their concerns, I am happy to meet with them. This was a call-led approach, so it was dependent on projects being brought forward to seek funding. It was not as if the Government identified specific locations and sought to create a demand around that. The programme was in place and the calls went out for applications for funding, which were assessed against the criteria during the process. If the Deputy has concerns about specific areas, we will be happy to meet with him and attempt to work through them.”
“The diverse range of projects being supported include Emo Court and Estate development, sustainable tourist accommodation in The Forum in Mountmellick, the development of Canal Road Business Park in Portarlington and the Poet's Cottage Community Café in Camross. All information on projects under the EU just transition fund is publicly available on the beneficiaries section of the Eastern and Midlands Regional Assembly website, the managing authority for the fund. We will provide the details to the Deputy in tabular form afterwards. The national just transition fund closed in December 2024 and disseminated no funds over the course of 2025. The Minister keeps the operation of the fund under review, including consideration of future calls.”
“I thank Deputy Stanley. From previous Oireachtas terms, I know he has shown a great interest in this particular area and championed it over that time. In total, more than €29.2 million under the EU just transition fund has been allocated to projects that are fully or partially based in County Laois. Of this, almost €3.6 million has been approved for projects under way solely within County Laois, while more than €25.6 million has been approved for projects across several counties, including County Laois. I will provide the Deputy with the full breakdown of these allocations in tabular form, including details of the recipients, projects and amount of support allocated. That information will be provided to the Deputy in that format afterwards.”
“In addition to our support for the renewable energy sector, particularly with wind and solar, we are also enhancing our support for biogas. The Deputy will know that the Government has a strategy on that. We will see seven or eight projects in the very near future coming into play for that biogas system through the anaerobic digestion system. We are absolutely committed to eliminating, insofar and as quickly as we possibly can, the dependence on fossil fuels to power our economy, while also recognising that our economy is growing with significant demands. We want to move away from using gas to generate electricity. We want to capture more of the renewable energy off our shoreline and utilise biogas as an appropriate means to further displace the importation of fossil fuels.”
“We are starting the process of developing a designated marine plan around our coastline which will identify sites suitable for fixed-bottom and floating wind generation. That is our direction of travel and we are committed to that. As the Deputy knows, by 2030 we intend to have another 5 GW of electricity in construction and by 2040 an additional 15 GW. We are absolutely committed to renewables but we must accept that we must have protections in the event of anything happening to the supplies of gas that are already there.”
“The Government's intention on the installation of a facility like the floating LNG facility that is proposed is that it is being led by the State rather than a commercial entity. It is being done in a controlled manner that will, as I outlined in the earlier answer, allow us to protect a critical supply in the event of anything happening to the two interconnectors or indeed the subsea pipeline which connects the Corrib field. It is a protection system and will not increase the usage of gas. Those of us who believe in the transition away from fossil fuels to cleaner and renewable energy still recognise that gas will be that transition fuel for quite some time, recognising that the wind does not blow all the time and the sun does not shine all the time. Last Friday, I launched the Government's next wave of offshore wind energy proposals.”
“In relation to energy infrastructure delivery more generally, over the last five years Ireland, along with other EU member states, has looked to support the acceleration of planning for, and delivery of, energy installations through legislation introduced to modernise both the terrestrial planning system and marine planning system. However, Ireland’s environmental assessment process has not been diluted and remains a robust process, and nor has there been a reduction in our ambitious climate goals and objectives.”
“The strategic reserve facility will be State-owned and the contract for replenishing with LNG will be through open-market procurement. There has been no request from, nor promise given to, the US with regard to a diminution of Ireland's application of EU standards with regard to, for example, environmental assessment of infrastructural projects. Nor has Ireland agreed to increase the amount of oil imported from the US. In fact, our overall reliance on oil is decreasing in line with our climate ambitions. Around 80% of Ireland’s gas supply comes from two interconnector pipelines from the UK, a well-diversified source, and the remaining 20% of natural gas is supplied from the Corrib gas field, off the coast of Mayo. Ireland currently has no other gas supply or entry points.”