Gas Networks Ireland (Gas Networks Ireland)

Lobbying Organisation Gas Networks Ireland

Date published 20 Jan, 2017

Relevant Matter Public policy or programme

Public Policy Area Energy and Natural Resources

Period 1 Sep, 2016 to 31 Dec, 2016

Specific Details Meeting held with Ministers Denis Naughten and Seán Canney on 7/9/16. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the potential of extending the natural gas network to Athenry & Longford towns. The benefits of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Renewable gas were also discussed. Following this meeting, a detailed submission was made to Minister Naughten and DCCAE on funding requirements for Mains Infill, Gas Corridors, CNG and Renewable Gas in October. Refer to targeted lobbying activities text

Intended results Receive support in relation to policy and support for the expansion of the natural gas network through Infill and Gas Corridors, the development of CNG and Renewable Gas and the need for recognition of the role the gas network can play in a low carbon economy.

Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity Denis O'Sullivan (Head of Commercial) and Liam O'Sullivan (MD)

Did any Designated Public Official(DPO) or former Designated Public Official(DPO) carry out lobbying activities on your behalf in relation to this return? You must include yourself, and answer Yes, if you are a current DPO or a DPO at any time in the past. (What is a Designated Public Official?) No

Did you manage or direct a grassroots campaign? No

Was this lobbying done on behalf of a client? No

Lobbying activity

The following activities occurred for this specific Subject Matter Area.

Meeting (2-5)

Meeting held on 7th September with Denis Naughten and Seán Canney, attended by Liam O'Sullivan and Denis O'Sullivan. Referred to in Specific details. Meeting held on 13th December with Denis Naughten and Ross Elwood, attended by Denis O'Sullivan. The cost of extending the natural gas network to Longford town was presented.

Submission (2-5)

A detailed submission on funding requirements for Mains Infill, Gas corridors, CNG and Renewable Gas was made to Minister Naughten and his department (DCCAE). Additional written submissions were made in October to Minister Naughten and Minister Canney on gas to Longford and Athenry. The submissions were made by Denis O'Sullivan.

Phone call (1)

There was a follow up discussion between Denis O'Sullivan and Ross Elwood on the submissions made in October. There was further follow up with the DCCAE in the form of 2 calls and an email regarding the cost and environmental benefits of connecting Longford to the natural gas network.

Designated public officials lobbied

The following DPOs were lobbied during this return period on this specific Subject Matter Area. These DPOs were involved in at least one of the Lobbying Activities listed above, but not necessarily all of them. As returns are specific to a Subject Matter Area the above Lobbying Activities may be associated with multiple returns.

Denis Naughten Minister (Department of Environment, Climate and Communications)

Sean Canney Minister of State (Department of Public Expenditure and Reform)

Ross Elwood Special Advisor (Department of Environment, Climate and Communications)