Emergency gas reserve 'many years' away despite proposed laws

Ireland's vulnerability to external energy supply has been put into sharp focus this year with blockades in the Gulf and in key Irish ports during last month's fuel protests. File picture

It could be the end of the decade before an “emergency” gas reserve is in place, in spite of Government moves to progress laws to establish the critical facility.

The first of two laws required to set up Ireland’s Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve is expected to pass through the Oireachtas before the summer.