Following the announcement that Cahiracon, Co. Clare has been selected as the location for Ireland’s Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve (SGER), Gas Networks Ireland announced today that it will hold its next community information event at Kildysart Community Centre on Thursday, 26 February 2026, from 4.00pm to 7.00pm.
Similiar to the first information event, which took place in November 2025, this drop-in event is open to all members of the public and forms part of Gas Network Ireland’s ongoing engagement with the local community in Clare. Members of the SGER project team will be available throughout the evening to provide information and to listen to feedback from residents and local stakeholders.
The Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve is a State-led project, approved by Government in March 2025 and is considered critical to Ireland’s energy security during the transition to renewable energy. Ireland currently imports approximately 80% of its natural gas via two interconnectors from Britain, leaving homes, businesses and electricity generation vulnerable in the event of a gas supply emergency.
The reserve will use a type of ship known as a Floating Storage and Regasification Unit. This is a proven technology used widely across Europe, which stores liquefied natural gas (LNG) and converts it back into natural gas when required. The gas stored in the reserve would only ever be used in the event of a major emergency disruption to Ireland’s gas supplies and therefore will not increase overall gas demand.
Gas currently provides around 30% of Ireland’s primary energy needs and typically generates more than 40% of the State’s electricity, rising to as much as 80% at peak demand. Natural gas is an important back up for renewable energy, as Ireland increases its use of wind and solar power. Once the country completes its transition and the risk of supply disruption is removed, the vessel will leave, and the State owned jetty and onshore facilities can be repurposed for future uses.
In November 2025, following a comprehensive and multi criteria site selection process that assessed the suitability of multiple potential coastal locations across Ireland, Cahiracon , was selected as the site for Ireland’s Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve. The site on the Shannon Estuary was deemed the location best suited to meet project requirements and its selection represents a major milestone on the journey to delivering the reserve.
“This project is about ensuring Ireland has a secure and resilient energy system,” said Bobby Gleeson, Chief Operations Officer at Gas Networks Ireland. “Now that a site has been selected, we recognise the importance of continuing open engagement with local communities. This community information event provides an opportunity for people to speak with the project team, to learn more about the proposal and to understand its role in protecting energy supply. The next steps and project timelines will also be discussed. It is equally important for us to listen and understand any local concerns. We are committed to continued proactive engagement as we progress the project towards detailed design and planning.”
As part of this commitment, Gas Networks Ireland has also confirmed that it is recruiting a Community Liaison Officer. The role will be based in Kildysart, with a preference for a local candidate to act as a key point of contact between GNI and the community. To find out more about the role and how to apply, please email SGER@gasnetworks.ie. This appointment will mark the first of many local job opportunities available throughout the proposed lifetime of the project.
To find out more about the Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve, please visit Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve | Gas Networks Ireland
