The Tanaiste says we need a secure energy supply in order to keep the lights on and the heat going.
Cabinet is today set to approve plans for a State-led liquefied natural gas terminal.
It’s not clear where the floating facility would be located, but it would serve as an emergency gas reserve in the event international supplies were compromised.
The move has been strongly opposed by local anti-fracking groups in the North West.
They claim that development of the fossil fuel terminal directly contradicts the government’s climate targets.
However Simon Harris says while Ireland will become a leader in terms of exporting clean fuels, the terminal is needed as a backup.