Decisions regarding energy security must prioritise interests of Irish people not US corporations – Pa Daly TD

Sinn Féin spokesperson for Climate, the Environment and Energy called on the government to ensure that decisions regarding Irish energy security are made with the best interests of Irish people at their core rather than capitulating to the demands of US corporations.

Commenting on reports that the recent policy changes on LNG and data centres came after government meetings with the US embassy last year, Teachta Daly said:

“Today’s reports raise serious questions about the government’s motivations for their recent policy announcements on LNG and data centres.

“Documents released under the Freedom of Information Act to the Business Post reveal that, in the weeks and months running up these announcements, the US government was lobbying the government for changes in these two particular areas.

“With reference to data centres, Ireland’s security of supply was cited as a factor influencing whether US companies invest here in the future.

“Concerning LNG, US officials expressed an interest in learning more about the opportunities for ‘public-private partnerships’ with regards to Ireland’s LNG facility, suggesting that a deal could be done to bring in US gas into the facility.

“It seems the US government’s efforts have borne fruit as the Irish government’s position on both LNG and data centres appears to have shifted in response to the ‘concerns’ raised.

“Everyone understands that it is the government’s job to keep the lights on. On that there is no question.

“However, decisions around energy security must be made in the best interests of the Irish people, not in favour of profit hungry corporations whose primary motivation is their bottom line.

“Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have always favoured the corporate balance sheet over ordinary workers and families, but this is a little too on the nose – even for them.

“We already have the second most expensive electricity prices in Europe. Decisions like these have the potential to push up prices even more.

“Furthermore, we are already facing up to €26.6bn in climate fines. Data centres powered by fossil fuels combined with rising emissions caused by carbon intensive LNG will almost certainly push these fines even higher.

“And who will be expected to foot the bill? If Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have their way – ordinary workers and families will be expected to shoulder the burden for their failures.

“While serious measures do need to be taken to strengthen Irish energy security, they must be based on all available evidence and the best interests of the Irish people, not on the wish-lists of US companies looking to ramp up profits.

“I am calling on government to urgently provide transparency, to publish the GNI and CEPA consultations as part of the energy security review, and to reform the mandate of the CRU and GNI so that they are aligned with the Climate Act.”