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.
Modernism in Irish Women’s Writing review: Great insights into work of female writers
Ireland’s best-kept secret: our climate is heaven
LIV defectors Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton should be cut adrift from the Ryder Cup
Darren’s abuse by the priest ended when he was 11. His story remains one of the worst I’ve heard
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.