Pipeline inspection 'a reality check' of risks from hostile states, says TD

Malcolm Byrne stressed that if energy pipelines or data cables are cut, it would have “real implications” for individuals, businesses, and the operation of the State. File Picture: Gareth Chaney/Collins

The Government sought an inspection on one of Ireland’s two gas pipelines from Britain, to ensure it had not been tampered with, after a Russian "subsea spy" ship patrolled over it last November.

The inspection, carried out by operator Gas Networks Ireland, examined a 10km-stretch of the pipeline, but did not find anything suspicious.

Fianna Fáil TD Malcolm Byrne, who received the information in a parliamentary question, said the fact the inspection was requested is a “reality check” of the risks posed to Ireland’s critical infrastructure from hostile states.

The Wexford/Wicklow deputy said it is “essential” that subsea critical infrastructure is regularly checked because of serious concerns regarding the activity of Russian vessels in Irish-controlled waters.

In a reply to a parliamentary question, the minister of environment, climate, and communications, Darragh O’Brien, confirmed that the Russian vessel Yantar was observed in the vicinity of Gas Interconnector 1 by the Irish Naval Service on November 14 last.

“At the time of the incident, no loss of containment alarm activated and no interruption to gas supplies occurred,” Mr O’Brien said.

“As a precautionary measure, my department agreed that Gas Networks Ireland would undertake an offshore subsea inspection of a 10km section of IC1, the crossing of the Havhingsten data cable, and the locations of where the vessel was observed loitering.” 

No threats identified

The offshore survey was conducted between December 9-11. The reply said debris near the pipeline was analysed and it was determined that there were no threats to the pipeline identified.

“It is essential that we check pipelines and cables on a regular basis, such is the serious concern over unannounced Russian patrolling in Irish waters, not least given the strongly suspicious damage to pipelines in the Baltic Sea,” Mr Byrne said.

He stressed that if energy pipelines or data cables are cut, it would have “real implications” for individuals, businesses, and the operation of the State.

Mr Byrne said Ireland has “no option” but to increase cooperation with Britian's royal navy and the navies of other neighbouring countries — such as France — to help protect Ireland’s exclusive economic zone, which stretches to 10 times the size of Ireland’s landmass.

Last week, the outgoing chief of staff Lieutenant General Seán Clancy said the Defence Forces in Ireland and Britain are moving towards a “collective security approach” in terms of maritime security — particularly in relation to underwater infrastructure.

On Thursday, at the first British-Irish summit, Taoiseach Micheál Martin and prime minister Keir Starmer jointly said they would “strengthen cooperation” on maritime security “with a particular focus on critical undersea infrastructure”.

They said the Celtic Sea and Irish Sea are of "critical importance".