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…”
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“I think the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, talked about this, but we are putting in €3.5 billion of equity into EirGrid and ESB Networks which will allow them to borrow at relatively low interest rates and spend about €19 billion on grid infrastructure upgrades between now and 2030. We are bringing forward new policies and announcements on where our 400 kV lines will go around the country. We will be identifying areas for development and growth, as well as where the electricity will come ashore. The new large energy user action plan, LEAP, project will identify areas suitable for large energy users to locate in green tech parks. We will be trying to identify those locations closer to where the energy comes ashore from those 20 GW I talked about. That is the kind of joined-up thinking we are doing now in planning ahead.”
“There is a misconception by some that somehow data centres only house photographs, videos and reels, which is a nuisance to all. However, in truth, it is about the maintenance of data in a cloud environment. Companies that would have always ordinarily had racks of computers in their offices do not have that now. By consolidating them under the one roof of a data centre, it actually reduces the demand on electricity; there are statistics on it that I can get. It is a positive story but it is a big challenge for us to manage it. That is why the Government and others have reflected on it.”
“It would be much easier for us to take a different approach, but it is the right approach. There will be challenges in the intervening period and there are on the grid because there are some areas that are constrained. I do not accept, however, that data centres get ahead of housing. I know through my engagement with EirGrid that it is very conscious of proposed housing developments and other large energy usage requirements that are there. I would like to think we have moved ahead with the grid and that we are in a position to bring more data centres on. Ireland is now seen in a negative light internationally. Having had a strong base from the start, we are now fighting a rear-guard action to retain Ireland as a centre of excellence for data centres. It is not just about the data centres.”
“The argument being made about data centres is well-meant from the perspective of Senator Cosgrove and others, but we have a responsibility to maintain economic growth and activity. To some extent, there is this notion that somehow data centres are not big employment opportunities, but they are in the construction phase. Maybe from an operational level, the number of employees by comparison to the size and scale of the buildings is relatively small, but what is critical about them is that we are moving into the technology sector and have made great advances. We are recognised globally as a centre of excellence for the tech, pharma and medical devices sectors. If we let other countries steal a march on us on data centres, we will lose the downstream investment that is integrated and integral to the future.”
“To bring an additional 5 GW onto the grid within the next six or seven years would be fantastic. We are currently working on a national DMAP which will see completion by 2027. I take Senator Collins's point, which is close to my own heart in that regional aspect, that we could do it more quickly. However, we have been trying to do it in consultation with communities so that we do not run too far ahead and find ourselves in the courts. In fairness, the experience we have developed from the Tonn Nua site was to take the time, do the engagement and try to get to a situation where you do not get that judicial review situation, which delays everything. We expect that will identify an additional 15 GW of electricity generation by 2040.”
“It was always the desire of government, regardless of its hue, that we would recognise fossil fuels and gas in particular as a transition fuel. From that perspective, we also have to maintain economic growth and remain along the trajectory of other countries in being attractive. To the Acting Chair's point as well, in attempting to get there we have got to increase our generation of clean renewables, which we are doing. I will speak to our efforts there. A number of projects are already going through planning. They were referred to as the phase 1 projects, which the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, may have reflected on, together with the Tonn Nua site that was talked about. By 2031 or 2032, we hope to have those energised, which would deliver 5 GW offshore. We currently have 8 GW of renewable onshore.”
“The Government does not have any immediate decisions to make in that regard. That would only come about after a period of much consultation, where it would become clear that the public were in a position to accept it. Frankly, I do not feel we are there but we should always retain the conversation and discuss it because over time, people's attitudes certainly change. Senator Duffy raised the issue of the Inishkea West gas project. The Department will come back to the Senator directly on where that is at. Speaking more generally, our ambition is to get to net zero by 2050. I will talk in general terms about what Senator Collins and others talked about - the use of fossil fuels in the intervening period.”
“The Department has done quite a lot, but of course it is important we always retain under review the supports that are there to move people away from the need for fossil fuels, or energy generally in their homes, and to reduce the dependence on that by making homes airtight. That is something the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, is looking at. The Senator also raised the issue of not closing the door on nuclear. We have to have a general debate about all aspects of energy. However, I have reflected both here and in the other House my concerns about what I am seeing around the country in terms of the resistance to wind turbines in communities and the difficulty in getting social licence, or getting people to accept the principle of even the smaller units being talked about for nuclear energy.”
“I thank all the Senators who contributed to this important debate. It is particularly timely because of the context in which we find this discussion. I have noticed a better understanding by our citizens when we talk about decarbonisation. For far too long, the conversation was just about the impact on the environment. It was not looked at more broadly in terms of the position that virtually all Senators reflected on, which is that this is about energy security and that we are not in control of our own at a time when we have other opportunities. It is important to look at that. Senator Clifford-Lee raised some issues around assisting people in the retrofit programmes and that maybe we should do more there.”
“This Bill provides the necessary tools to help achieve this. I look forward to Deputies’ contributions and welcome the opportunity to engage in productive discussions on the Bill on Committee Stage.”
“In conclusion, this Bill is about ensuring that the fuels available on the Irish market meet required technical standards and are less polluting so that we reduce the impact of burning solid fuel on our health and our environment. It is about protecting lives and reducing the number of premature deaths associated with air pollution, while also reducing the burden on our health service and meeting our air quality commitments under both national and European law. It is about preserving Ireland’s reputation of having among the best air quality in Europe and avoiding the reputational and financial damage of non-compliance with imminent stricter air quality standards. I think it is fair to say that cleaner air is something we all want for our families, our communities and our future generations.”
“Section 22 allows for the sharing of information between local authorities, registration bodies, authorised persons, and other relevant entities, subject to data protection safeguards. This ensures enforcement is joined up and more efficient and effective. Section 23 provides for amendments to the First Schedule, which updates the list of pollutants covered by the legislation, bringing it into line with modern science and EU requirements. In summary, Part 1 of the Bill tidies up the legislative framework, commencement, definitions and repeals. Part 2 of the Bill strengthens enforcement and local authority powers; introduces a modern regulatory regime for solid fuel operators with registers, compliance notices and seizure powers; enables proper data-sharing; and updates pollutant definitions.”
“Part VA includes provisions for funding, fees, obligations and offences where a registration body fails to meet its duties; sets out the process for applying to be registered, how applications are considered, grounds for refusal, and notification and appeal procedures; requires registration details to be published online, increasing transparency; provides for removal from the register in cases of non-compliance, with rights to make submissions and appeal; and provides a powerful tool to immediately remove non-compliant fuels from the market, helping to protect consumers and air quality. Authorised officers can seize fuels, containers or even vehicles if they are connected with an offence and there are provisions for a court-based process for determining whether seized items should be forfeited or returned, with an appeal mechanism.”
“These sections also provide that air quality management plans prepared by local authorities are subject to ministerial direction, to ensure national consistency. Section 21 inserts a new Part VA in the Act of 1987. Part VA of the Act covers fuel regulations and registers and is replacing and updating the current Part IA of the existing Act. The main changes from the original are that Part VA now establishes clear offences and penalties for contravening those regulations; provides for the appointment, criteria and potential removal of registration bodies; and sets out rules for oversight. The Minister may issue directions or guidelines, and registration bodies must comply.”
“These sections also include safeguards such as applications for warrants, appeal processes, and indemnity for officers acting in good faith. Section 11 allows the Minister to establish registers of persons engaged in producing, selling, or transporting solid fuels. This section provides the legal backbone for the new system of registration and compliance monitoring. Sections 12 to 20, inclusive, are a restatement of some of the existing provisions of the current Act but also provide strengthened enforcement powers for local authorities, including the creation of clearer offences and penalties for smoke emissions that exceed legal limits, ignoring notices served by local authorities to limit emissions or failure by an operator to notify a local authority of an incident that creates air pollution.”
“This prevents operators from sitting out the system without consequence. Section 7 reintroduces the system of on-the-spot fines for breaches of the solid fuel regulations by commercial operators. These will be set at €1,000 and are designed to provide a quick, proportionate enforcement tool without the need for lengthy court proceedings. Sections 8 to 10, inclusive, provide for the appointment of authorised officers by either the Minister or local authorities, and expand enforcement powers to include entering premises, with warrants expressly required for entry to private dwellings where the consent of the occupier to enter is not forthcoming; the ability to stop and detain vehicles, but only with An Garda Síochána or Revenue present; as well as serving compliance notices and inspecting fuels, documents and records.”
“Section 3 repeals certain outdated provisions in the 1987 Act and in related environmental legislation from 2011 and 2015. The purpose is to remove redundant material so that the law is clearer and easier to apply. Section 4 expands the legal definition of "air pollution" so that it now also covers situations where emissions cause damage to property or create a nuisance. This makes the law more comprehensive and responsive to real-world impacts. Section 5 further updates and rationalises definitions across the 1987 Act. This is mainly a technical clean-up to ensure consistency with modern usage. Section 6 creates a mechanism for imposing additional ongoing fines where an offence continues over time, for example, if false information is repeatedly provided, or if records or labels are persistently missing.”
“Finally, there is a provision in the Bill to allow bodies to share data, where appropriate, to support enforcement. This is to ensure clarity in relation to any GDPR concerns that might have existed. These measures will strengthen compliance and ensure consumers can trust that the fuels they purchase are less harmful and less polluting. I will now outline the provisions of the Bill section by section to clarify its content. The Bill comprises 23 sections. Section 1 gives the Act its formal name and allows different provisions to be commenced at different times by ministerial order. This is standard practice, giving flexibility so that complex parts, such as the new registers, can be rolled out in stages. Section 2 confirms that the principal Act being amended is the Air Pollution Act 1987.”
“Currently there are no powers within the 1987 Act to provide for the seizure and forfeiture of non-compliant materials relating to the commercial sale and supply of solid fuels and it is worth noting that such powers are available to enforcement personnel under the Waste Management Act 1996. Another important measure is the provision of enhanced solid fuel registers for producers, retailers and transporters, ensuring that only compliant operators can legally trade. The Bill provides greater clarity about the function, appointment and powers of a registration body and the processes for registration, removal, appeals and transparency of information regarding the register. The Bill also provides clearer processes for registration and removal from the register, including appeals mechanisms, to improve transparency and accountability.”
“Its main provisions include: the reintroduction of fixed payment notices, also known as on-the-spot fines, for breaches of the solid fuel regulations by commercial producers, retailers or transporters, ensuring quick and proportionate enforcement; the ability to serve compliance notices, requiring corrective action to be taken within a specified timeframe, encouraging compliance; seizure and forfeiture powers, and the ability to remove non-compliant material from a commercial or retail premises. This allows enforcement action to have an immediate impact on air quality and gives the consumer confidence that only compliant fuels are available for sale.”
“It is something that has been asked for by those in the retail sector. They want to have a fair and balanced approach to commercial activity. Second, it does not change turbary rights. The Bill does not change the current rules in respect of turf. People with turbary rights can continue to cut, gift or sell turf as before. The focus is only on the commercial sale and supply of solid fuels. The primary aim of the Bill is to strengthen the enforcement toolkit available to local authorities and provide greater regulatory clarity.”
“That is what this Bill is about. I wish to be clear on the new provisions being introduced under this Bill. First, it does not create any new restrictions on householders. That is really important to emphasise. I took this Bill through the Seanad and there was an attempt by others to suggest that it would be introducing all sorts of draconian laws that would impact negatively on homeowners. Nothing could be further from the truth. The Bill is not about punishing householders. It is about giving local authorities the powers they need to ensure that they can enforce the rules that apply to the production, transport and sale of solid fuel. It is about ensuring that householders can be confident that the fuels placed on the Irish market meet the proper standards. It is about creating a level playing field for compliant commercial operators.”
“The existing regulations require that a solid fuel must conform to the relevant requirements, depending on the type of solid fuel, including a maximum smoke emission rate, a minimum sulphur content and a maximum moisture content. There are also existing requirement on producers, retailers and transporters of solid fuel to ensure solid fuel meets certain technical standards or, in other words, is an approved fuel. The Air Pollution Act 1987 has served us well but its enforcement provisions need to be updated. The solid fuel regulations of 2022 were a huge step forward in reducing the impact of solid fuel on our health and environment, but experience has shown that local authorities lack sufficient powers to enforce them effectively to ensure that only compliant solid fuel is being made commercially available for sale.”
“As set out in the second clean air strategy progress report, there are specific areas of the country at risk of exceeding the new limits specifically as a result of the pollution caused by the burning of residential solid fuel. Failing to meet new EU air quality standards will mean that we have failed the people living in those affected areas, not to mention the potential for infringement proceedings for non-compliance with EU law. One of the key tools to improve our air quality to date has been the solid fuel regulations of 2022, which focus on improving the standards of solid fuels placed on the market to ensure they emit lower levels of pollution, remembering that there is no such thing as a non-polluting solid fuel.”
“In regard to the threats to our air quality, the two main sources of air pollution in Ireland are the burning of residential solid fuel and emissions from the transport sector. We are making progress through investment in public transport, active travel and retrofitting homes. However, we must also continue to reduce the impact of solid fuel on the quality of the air that we breathe. We are currently compliant with existing EU air quality standards and our national clean air strategy, and our programme for Government commits us to doing more as we acknowledge that any level of air pollution has a negative impact on our health and environment. In addition, new, more stringent air quality limits have been agreed at EU level that will apply from 2030.”
“The Economic and Social Research Institute, ESRI, has estimated that between 2016 and 2019 treating just five air pollution-related conditions cost the State over €56 million. Furthermore, research now shows that long-term exposure to fine-particle matter is linked to many conditions, including depression and anxiety. This is why improving air quality is essential. Cleaner air means healthier, longer lives, fewer hospital admissions and lower costs to our health system. The importance of improving our air quality is clear. Indeed, it is highlighted in the programme for Government, which commits the Government to continuing efforts to raise air quality standards, especially in urban areas, ensuring healthier environments for all.”
“I move: "That the Bill be now read a Second Time." I am very pleased to introduce the Air Pollution (Amendment) Bill 2025 to the House. The Bill completed its passage through the Seanad with some constructive engagement. At its heart, this Bill is about safeguarding public health, protecting our environment and ensuring that Ireland's air quality remains among the best in Europe. However, notwithstanding our compliance with all existing EU air quality standards, air pollution is a silent killer, including in this country. It is a fact that about 1,700 premature deaths in Ireland each year are linked directly to poor air quality, largely from solid fuel burning. That is approximately ten times the number of fatalities on our roads each year. The personal cost to families is immeasurable. The economic costs are also stark.”
“Notwithstanding that, it should not be beyond our capabilities to find a pathway forward that is safe and that gives capacity to those who have the opportunity or potential to use these small-scale pieces of equipment.”
“I thank the Deputy very much. He is right. Both he and Deputy Heneghan have continued to raise this matter. The Department is actively engaged on it. It is not good enough to just continue to say there are potential safety issues. We have got to address them, recognising that others have found methods to address those safety concerns. As I have said, we are engaged with our UK counterparts and we are also discussing the regulatory issues in relation to safety with our German counterparts, recognising that they have had a very successful roll-out. There are some grid issues. I do not offer that by way of excuse but, with regard to distribution, our grid is managed and constructed somewhat differently.”
“Respondents to that consultation raised potential safety issues, so it is important that the introduction of the technology is given appropriate consideration. Some form of regulation may be needed before plug-in mini solar is promoted. Officials are currently engaged with the relevant agencies and regulators, including ESB Networks in its role as the system operator. Our officials are also in contact with officials from the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero in the UK relating to the recently announced intention for the UK Government to regulate for the sale and use of plug-in mini solar systems. EU guidance on the matter is also being considered.”
“Plug-in solar systems are very small PV energy systems, usually two or three modules, and less than 1 kW in total per installation. They are connected to a micro-inverter and plugged directly into the normal household socket. This then feeds the house's internal electricity system. These low-cost panels can be put on balconies and outdoor spaces. The use of plug-in mini-solar technology has grown in some EU countries in recent years as consumers search for ways to save on high energy bills. It has seen particular growth in Germany. Officials from our Department have engaged with stakeholders on the optional provisions in the 2024 electricity market design directive, including the provision relating to plug-in mini solar systems and through a consultation that ran from September to October in 2024.”
“EirGrid is answerable to its board, to the CRU and, ultimately, to the Oireachtas through the committee. We represent the citizens of the State. We recognise the importance of this and we will continue to pursue that. In fact, I am meeting with Errol Close and a number of other people from EirGrid today, albeit in relation to separate projects, but I will communicate again the discussion here, and rest assured, I will continue to drive that. It is a recognition, too, that the Taoiseach has even established a clearing house in relation to offshore wind, of which the grid becomes part as well as an action-oriented plan to get delivery on these projects.”
“I hope the Deputy does not think I am being evasive but I am just providing him with the information I have. I am aware that the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, meets with EirGrid monthly. He seeks to get an update on projects and he is very anxious that in all those instances he communicates to EirGrid the Government's priorities in this regard, and the Government's priorities have not changed. We are accelerating the development of infrastructure. There are State agencies that are established with their own independence, their own governance and their own boards of directors, so there is a limit in those circumstances as to what the Government can do other than to set out what policy is. We must be mindful, too, that we must follow the democratic principles that are established.”
“In reality, none of us is happy that there are potential delays. From a departmental perspective and from the Minister's perspective, we are very clear on the importance of getting it done. What I am saying to the Deputy is that EirGrid is independent of the Government. It is established in that way as a TSO and it is responsible through the CRU, which has the potential to be brought before the committee. We are very anxious to do that. Just a slight correction: the Minister reminds me that, in fact, the MOU with Spain has yet to be signed and will be done next week. I will ensure that EirGrid communicate with the Deputies. I will ask that it update me as well in that regard.”
“I think it was the Taoiseach, or perhaps it was the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, who recently signed a memorandum of understanding, MOU, with Spain. The Taoiseach certainly had been involved at a stage in the discussions on that. I think at one of the events last year, I had conversations with Spanish representatives. We really believe in the necessity to connect ourselves in an important way with the rest of the European Union. Of course, the North-South interconnector is such a fundamental part of that all-island electricity market so, of course, that is important. I will have EirGrid communicate with the Deputies on that, on those projects.”
“I know Deputy Byrne is taking this for Deputy Ardagh. As he may be aware, the Department and the Minister do not have a role in respect of the delivery of the offshore electricity grid. That is handled by EirGrid as the transmission system operator. I will endeavour, on Deputies Byrne and Ardagh's behalf, to ask EirGrid to communicate with both of them in relation to the projects and where they are at. I am very conscious that our interconnection projects and those that are envisaged will be an integral part of the stabilisation of our own electricity grid and will assist us in continuing our pathway towards removing the need for fossil fuels as part of our generation mix. We are very strongly in favour of that, as Deputy Byrne knows. The Celtic interconnector with France is under way and significant works are already in place there.”
“We must of course recognise that gas will be an important transition fuel as we move towards renewables, but we have got to do it at a pace and maintain the economic growth and control of our data at the same time.”
“-----rather than having racks in isolated locations all over the place. You commingle and co-share a resource and, ultimately, you reduce the amount of electricity used. We have to be in control of our own data because there are other energy-rich countries that would be delighted to have the opportunity to store European data. If we do not get our act together, somebody will steal our clothes and that will be a loss. There are a lot of tech companies that want to be close to where the data centres are in the context of the resilience of the communications systems, etc. We have a job to do and, of course, we have to build houses, etc. I am all for advancing what we have to do in regard to offshore and wind.”
“It is about putting in place a structured grid that will allow electricity to be used without constraint across the State. We want to connect North to South, which is an important one, and then there is the Celtic interconnector. We also need to look then to other storage opportunities, which we have at the moment in relation to battery, but we need to do more than just an academic conversation around hydrogen because there is demand for that and for ammonia right across Europe at the moment.”
“I agree. From a departmental perspective, we are not losing focus. We are absolutely targeting this. We are looking at interconnection as well. As the Deputy knows - the North-South interconnector is kind of in his area as well - we will have the Celtic interconnector. We want to build a more complex grid right across the European Union, which will help to balance the load, the demand and the generation, and we can do that. However, there is nothing wrong with accepting an academic debate. I do not say that in a throwaway manner. Of course, it always good to have checks and balances and if there is an academic debate going on, we will facilitate that and participate in it but our action-oriented plan is about capturing the wind, both onshore and offshore.”
“We are also looking to 2050. We will have completed the programme of designation by the end of 2027. That will provide significant clarity to those investing from outside.”
“Nobody really talks about the storage of the by-product or the waste product from nuclear energy, which is, in most cases, dumped at sea, albeit, we believe, in a very safe environment. We would be better to concentrate on what we have and the fact that would not have to import all that much by way of equipment. We have the knowledge and experience, which we are developing, and there is a great opportunity for employment, particularly in coastal communities away from the centres, which would have had a greater level of employment in the past. Pardon the pun - I do not like the phrase - but there is a double win or a win-win here as opposed to a "wind-wind". There is a win-win with the wind, and we need to continue to advance that. We are planning ahead with the designation of sites around our shoreline and offshore from now to 2040.”
“We can all be renewed. The two questions were separate but we have the opportunity to follow one with the other. It is very clear that other countries have a considerable advancement in relation to the use of nuclear energy as a method of driving their economic activity and producing electricity. They have been doing it for decades and have made certain advances in that area. We have not been in that race due to decisions that went back to the early 1970s on Carnsore and other matters. It has been very clear that no social licence really exists among the general public for that. What we have been doing in recent years is concentrating on capturing clean energy. That is the one thing about wind and solar; they are absolutely clean.”
“There is the potential for us to be net exporters, particularly in relation to green hydrogen and ammonia, which can form part of the storage component of that offshore wind electricity.”
“Absolutely. While the debate and discussion are somewhat academic at the moment, it is appropriate that we are looking that far ahead because we do not want to find ourselves in the situation that we currently do - reaching a point where there are constraints on our grid. The lesson we have learned from that is that we now have to get the generation piece right. I really believe in what we are doing on the renewables side, in solar, wind and offshore wind. There are opportunities for floating offshore wind as we move forward, which will bring an even greater quantum of electricity onshore. We are also looking at the smart use of the grid. With interconnection, I think we are in a good space with the plans, which will get us to 2040 and, I believe, 2050 and beyond in terms of the quantum of electricity that can be bought ashore.”
“As for a conversation about it, we are all open to that but at the moment, the Government is moving beyond just talking about stuff. We want to get things done, and we are getting it done in that regard.”
“Nobody wants to rule out the discussion but from a Government perspective, for us right now, it is about action and about meeting our targets on the demand for energy. Our efforts are concentrated on capturing wind to bring the electrons ashore. Of course, we take electricity from France that has its source in nuclear energy. Nobody has a problem with that. The French have a lot of expertise in that area. I think we are better concentrating on an area where we have an abundance of electricity off our shoreline. We are developing expertise in that area, and we can bring that on relatively quickly. I am conscious that many nuclear plants have been in production for decades at this stage, and they are still not generating electricity. Our targets are towards 2030 and 2040. We are heading in the right direction with the strategy that we have.”
“I am conscious, in my daily life as a representative of the people of Clare, of the pushback that is currently in existence regarding wind energy and the permissions for wind turbines. They are hotly contested, objected to in every possible way and then taken to judicial review. I do not think there would be too many at a public meeting in support of a nuclear reactor, regardless of the setback distance. I think we have a way to go in that regard.”
“The reality is that, as things stand today, it is not clear to us that public opinion is in favour of removing those legislative bans on the development of domestic nuclear power plants for electricity in Ireland. Building that majority would require an extensive conversation with the people of Ireland. There have been a lot of conversations about who represents the people of Ireland in recent days. Nonetheless, I think there is probably a consensus across the House that the notion of moving ahead with the introduction of the generation of electricity with a nuclear base to it, regardless of the system, would not gain a social licence in the current climate.”
“I know of the Deputy's interest in this area as he and I have discussed this on a number of occasions. Currently, the Department has no plans for the development of nuclear power, including small modular reactors, as part of Ireland's electricity system. As the Deputy is aware, there are two specific legislative prohibitions on nuclear power in place in Ireland. Both the electricity legislation, in section 18(6) of the Electricity Regulation Act 1999, and the planning legislation, in section 182 of the Planning and Development Act 2024, prohibit the development of nuclear fission for electricity generation. Those provisions would need to be replaced as a first step if we were to plan for the introduction of domestic nuclear fission energy generation.”