EUROPEAN UNION energy ministers will meet for an emergency session in Brussels next Monday unless Russia's gas blockade is ended, Minister for Energy Eamon Ryan told the Cabinet yesterday.
Ireland does not import Russian gas but a lengthy break in supplies could impact on the supplies available from elsewhere.
The Kinsale gas field now supplies only a small amount of Ireland's gas needs, though the Corrib field, operated by Shell, would be able to supply 60 per cent of the Republic's requirements.
Mr Ryan briefed his ministerial colleagues on Russian prime minister Vladimir Putin's decision to cut gas supplies to the Ukraine, alleging that it is siphoning off supplies passing through to be sold elsewhere.
"The Government is looking to Ukraine and Russia to solve this dispute immediately and are working within the EU to this end. It is unacceptable that a bilateral dispute between two countries would adversely affect European gas supply at the height of winter," Mr Ryan said later.
He told the Cabinet the Commission on Energy Regulation, his department's officials and Bord Gáis are monitoring developments. He welcomed the strong EU statement demanding that gas supplies be immediately restored to the EU and that both sides resolve their commercial bilateral dispute.
In 1996, more than 80 per cent of Ireland's gas needs were met by the Kinsale field.
However, this position was completely reversed by 2004, and the dependence on exports has increased since.
Today, 96 per cent of Irish supplies come to Ireland from the United Kingdom - and much of this is imported in turn from Norway.
Two gas interconnectors carry the supplies between Ireland and Scotland.
A third interconnector to Wales - which was strongly backed by Noel Dempsey when he was the minister responsible - is expected to be completed before 2012.
