Energy independence and fuel price protection

THE PROPOSAL

1) 24 month term for fuel price caps (Petrol/Diesel @1.70/L, Kerosine/heating/Green diesel €1.25/L)

2) Assess the future of the Whitegate refinery and the feasibility of expanding domestic refining, storage and fuel-processing capacity. Require a transparent security-of-supply assessment before major decisions.

3) Review strategic stocks of petrol, diesel, aviation fuel and heating oil. Publish security-of-supply assessments and test emergency distribution arrangements for ports, hospitals, farms and essential services.

4) Prioritise insulation, efficient heating, industrial energy upgrades and measures that reduce peak demand. Focus grants on projects that deliver measurable energy savings.

5) We will amend the Electricity Regulation Act 1999 and the relevant planning legislation, establish a robust independent regulatory framework and commission a transparent national feasibility assessment of nuclear power, including small modular reactors.

7) Amend the relevant legislation to allow new applications for offshore oil and natural gas exploration, subject to licensing, environmental assessment and safety requirements.

8) Review existing mineral and subsurface legislation to determine how natural hydrogen exploration and production can be authorised. Establish clear rules for applications, environmental safeguards, ownership and royalties.