Sir, – Setting aside who bears responsibility for the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines, the implications cannot be ignored.
The energy war between Russia and the West is escalating and natural gas pipeline infrastructure is now in play.
Ireland relies on 75 per cent of its natural gas supply from the UK via undersea pipelines. The UK in turn imports 60 per cent of its natural gas via undersea pipelines from Norway. If those pipelines are sabotaged, now much natural gas can Ireland expect?
Having our natural gas supply cut has evolved from a silly theory, to possible but highly unlikely, to a growing likelihood. And what would be the consequences? Devastation for the economy and a change to normal life that people cannot appreciate with our current comforts.
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Given this possible outcome, the time for procrastination is over. As a national priority, the Government must act now to diversify Ireland’s natural gas supply. – Yours, etc,
HUGH MULCAHY,
London.
