Minister for Environment Darragh O’Brien: 'The risk of not having a gas reserve is one that cannot be ignored.' Photograph: Chris MaddaloniMinister for Environment Darragh O’Brien has been blocked in his attempt to leapfrog early scrutiny of a proposed new law that would give him direct power over planning approval and permits for the State’s €900 million liquefied natural gas (LNG) reserve. Mr O’Brien had asked the all-party Committee on Climate, Energy and Environment to waive pre-legislative scrutiny of the unprecedented proposal. “It’s critically important that we move on the legislation but I want the input of the committee,” he said. Mr O’Brien said however: “The risk of not having a gas reserve is one that cannot be ignored.

Source: The Irish Times January 22, 2026 12:03 UTC