Large energy users 'at risk' if Ireland's grid gets attacked — Tánaiste

The EU cyber agency, ENISA, on Monday warned of cybersecurity risks in the gas sector, identifying “insufficient” preparedness and response to cyber incidents.

Large energy users would be at risk in the event of an attack on Ireland's grid, the Tánaiste will today tell a government taskforce.

Simon Harris will today chair a meeting of the Government’s Taskforce on Emergency Planning, which will discuss Ireland’s ability to deal with a potential attack on our energy supply. 

It is understood the taskforce will consider the lessons from "Exercise Cathal", which ‘war-gamed’ a scenario in which Ireland’s gas pipelines were damaged.

The meeting will be told that there are a number of large gas users in the state that would be particularly at risk from an attack on our gas supply.

The Tánaiste is also expected to seek an update on Ireland’s readiness for dealing with extreme weather events in light of the recent Storm Éowyn and he will also be briefed on Ireland’s ability to deal with threats in the area of cyber security.

When Mr Harris took on his role as Minister for Defence, his ministerial brief from the Department of Defence said “strengthening cyber defence capabilities” and “securing critical infrastructure” were key matters on the EU agenda. 

He recently told The Irish Examiner that the programme for government commitment to reach the second level of ambition outlined by the Commission on the Defence Forces will be met by 2028, but that this must become "the floor" and that level of ambition three should be reached "in time".

This is the most ambitious level of proposed changes and upgrades outlined in the report and would signify a significant investment in modernising military capabilities with the most advanced technology and operational readiness, including potential for increased international engagement and a wider range of response capabilities.

The EU cyber agency, ENISA, on Monday warned of cybersecurity risks in the gas sector, identifying “insufficient” preparedness and response to cyber incidents.

Ireland is hugely reliant on gas for its energy and heating systems and imports the bulk of it through digitally-controlled pipelines from Britain, which in turn, are supplied via pipelines from Norway.

The ENISA report said telecoms, electricity, core internet and cloud and data centres “are the four most critical sectors for the economy and society”. 

It said incidents in these sectors have “immediate and severe impacts”, pointing out that they all rely heavily on digital technologies.