Ireland has secured an exemption from a plan to reduce use but could still feel the pain of shortages

Listen | 33:15
Clouds gather over a decommissioned gas holder in London, Britain, 27 July 2022. Gas holders or gasometers were used in the 20th Century to store natural gas for usages in towns. Oil and gas prices have soared in the UK in part due to the war in Ukraine. UK Households are facing a cost of living crisis due to the rising cost of energy and food.
Clouds gather over a decommissioned gas holder in London, Britain, 27 July 2022. Gas holders or gasometers were used in the 20th Century to store natural gas for usages in towns. Oil and gas prices have soared in the UK in part due to the war in Ukraine. UK Households are facing a cost of living crisis due to the rising cost of energy and food.

With the flow of Russian gas to Europe in ever more doubt this winter, the EU is grappling with how to ensure adequate energy supplies across its member states.

As an island state unconnected to the EU gas network, Ireland has secured an exemption from a new EU directive that calls for a 15% reduction in use.

But that doesn’t mean Ireland can avoid any pain. Barry O’Halloran and Naomi O’Leary join Ciarán Hancock on the latest Inside Business podcast to discuss the crisis.

Barry also reports on the latest Ryanair news, including Q1 results and baggage handling problems.