Dáil debates definition of emergency use only for proposed Strategic Gas Reserve
Thursday 2 July 2026
Dáil Deputies have debated proposed amendments to the Development (Strategic Gas Reserve) Bill 2026, focusing on restricting the facility to emergency use only.
During a committee stage debate in the 34th Dáil, Deputy Pa Daly moved an amendment to the Development (Strategic Gas Reserve) Bill 2026 to legally define the term "emergency use only" for any proposed gas storage infrastructure.
Under the proposed amendment, "emergency use only" would be defined strictly in accordance with the N-1 infrastructure standard under EU Regulation 2017/1938. The change aims to ensure that a Strategic Emergency Gas Reserve—including its construction, operation, maintenance, and decommissioning—cannot be utilised for managing day-to-day energy demands.
The debate on the bill involved Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O'Brien and An Leas-Cheann Comhairle John McGuinness, alongside proposed amendments grouped for consideration during the legislative process.