Minister O’Brien attends EU Energy Council in Luxembourg

Discussions included RePower EU Roadmap, energy security and infrastructure

Minister met Danish counterpart and looks ahead to Ireland’s EU Presidency

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh O'Brien, today attended his first EU Energy Council meeting in Luxembourg, welcoming a positive engagement with his European counterparts on a range of important issues.

A key focus of the meeting was the RePower EU Roadmap. The minister welcomed support for the Roadmap and affirmed Ireland's commitment to transforming our energy system, highlighting the importance of EU funding to Member States. The Minister reiterated Ireland’s commitment to the Energy Union. Important elements of this will be interconnection and an integrated European grid network, and development of renewable energy, especially offshore wind. Ireland’s offshore wind potential can enhance Europe's energy security so appropriate support is essential to capitalise on the opportunities.

The Minister also set out the importance of energy affordability to this government and the importance of EU collaboration, given the role energy affordability plays in competitiveness.

Looking ahead to Ireland's Presidency of the EU, Minister O'Brien met his Danish counterpart, Lars Aagaard. Denmark are poised to assume the Presidency in July, and the ministers discussed upcoming priorities to inform Ireland's advanced preparation for 2026.

The Minister will attend the EU Environment Council in Luxembourg today.

ENDS