The Daily Star Ireland
Ireland’s energy resilience could be severely compromised if its subsea gas interconnectors were damaged, according to recent documents obtained through the Freedom of Information Act. The internal briefings, prepared for Environment Minister Darragh O’Brien, outline the critical dependence Ireland has on these underwater pipelines, which serve as a lifeline for gas supply from Britain.
The reports reveal a stark warning: any damage to these connectors would trigger widespread disruptions, with repair timelines estimated at six months. During that time, up to 250 large-scale industrial and institutional consumers — including pharmaceutical plants, manufacturing hubs, food and dairy operations, as well as key infrastructure like airports and universities — could face major supply interruptions.
This risk assessment has prompted calls from security expert Declan Power for closer collaboration between Irish and British authorities to protect this strategically vital infrastructure. Concerns were heightened following the observation of a Russian naval vessel hovering near the Gas Networks Ireland subsea pipeline last November, raising questions about the vulnerability of offshore energy assets.
In response to these risks, the Irish Government is moving forward with plans to develop a State-owned Floating Storage and Regassification Unit (FSRU). This facility, a seaborne terminal capable of storing liquified natural gas (LNG) and feeding it into the national grid, is seen as a critical fallback option in the event of gas supply disruptions.
A study presented to the Cabinet by international consultancy CEPA suggested that an FSRU could greatly reduce the fallout from a shutdown of the IC2 interconnector — one of Ireland’s two main gas supply pipelines. While not a complete solution, the floating terminal would provide an emergency buffer, ensuring continued energy delivery to electricity consumers and key sectors.
However, the proposal has not come without scrutiny. Green Party leader Roderic O’Gorman cautioned that the FSRU must not serve as a backdoor for importing fracked gas, which is opposed on environmental grounds. Legislation paving the way for this State-led gas storage project is expected to be debated in the Oireachtas following the Easter recess.
The CEPA report also emphasized that, beyond gas-based solutions, broader diversification strategies such as enhanced electricity interconnection, expanded battery storage, and scaling up offshore wind generation will be crucial to meeting future EU energy security requirements.
