Career Biography Emer is the Chief Legal Officer at Gas Networks Ireland and is a member of the executive management team. Emer has 20 years’ experience in advising clients as well as extensive knowledge and experience of the legal and regulatory landscape associated with the energy and renewables sectors in Ireland and across Europe. As CLO, Emer is responsible for the leadership and direction of all legal, corporate governance and data protection activities across Gas Networks Ireland. Prior to being appointed to her current role, Emer was a solicitor in a large commercial law firm for a number of years and worked with regulators in the financial and healthcare sectors. She also held the position of Head of Legal at Gas Networks Ireland for a period of seven years. Emer is also a qualified professional life coach. 

What are the key projects that you have been involved in over the past 12 months?

To enhance the resilience of Ireland’s energy supply and to ensure that the lights are kept on in Ireland, GNI has connected four new power plants to the gas network in the last 2 years and is currently working on connecting a further seven. My team played a key role in advising on the contracts and regulatory consents associated with those projects.   

Supporting the delivery of a state-led Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve on behalf of the Government in the form of a floating storage and regasification unit. 

Advising on the large energy user connection policy, which is due to be published by the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities, and on the need for interruptible capacity products to be available for large energy users (including data centres) who have substantial capacity requirements on the gas network. 

Advising on Ireland’s the development of Ireland’s first biomethane Central Grid Injection facility and engaging with biomethane producers to provide direct connections onto the network. 

Advising on the sale to the Land Development Agency of GNI’s 1.1-hectare former Gasworks site in Limerick for residential development, with potential capacity for approximately 280 homes. 

Full review of GNI’s governance framework and relevant policies, with a focus on compliance with legal and regulatory obligations, efficiencies, and the need for commerciality. 

Advising on GNI’s support in the delivery of the National Hydrogen Strategy through its participation in the Government’s Hydrogen Interdepartmental Working Groups.  

Advising on legal and regulatory issues associated with the transposition of the Directive (EU) 2024/1788 into national law. The Directive updates the regulatory framework on the internal market in gas by providing amended and new provisions relating to renewable gas, natural gas and hydrogen. 

What measures has your company taken to incorporate sustainability practices into its core business operations, and how can general counsel contribute to driving such initiatives within the organisation?

Gas Networks Ireland has taken significant steps to embed sustainability into its core operations, aligning with national and international standards. Here is a breakdown of its initiatives and how general counsel can support and drive these efforts.

GNI’s Sustainability Measures include the integration of renewable gases. The company is transitioning to a net-zero gas network by 2050, with active efforts to transport renewable gases such as biomethane and hydrogen. In relation to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), GNI has rolled out infrastructure to support CNG in transport and published a Biomethane Energy Report.

GNI maintains ISO certifications, including ISO50001 for Energy Management, and has implemented an Environmental Management System. Its assets, including compressor stations, AGIs, offices, and fleet—are managed with a focus on emissions reduction and energy efficiency.

In methane emissions management, GNI has developed and delivered annual plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Its Biodiversity Strategy includes a Biodiversity Action Plan with goals aligned to the “Seeds for Nature” commitments.

GNI has improved its Carbon Disclosure Project ratings over time, aiming for an A rating by 2025. In diversity and inclusion, it has participated in the Business in the Community “Elevate Pledge” and published a Gender Pay Gap report.

Sustainability reporting is aligned with the Global Reporting Initiative and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. GNI also maintains ISO14001 environmental management certification and works towards ISO24000 Sustainable Procurement standards. Sustainability KPIs are tracked and reported on, including sustainability-linked finance and operational measures.

How do you prioritise diversity and inclusion within your legal department, and what initiatives have you implemented to foster a more inclusive work environment?

At the heart of GNI’s DE&I strategy is the iBelong programme, which aims to foster a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment across the organisation. This initiative is embedded into the employee experience and highlighted as a key part of GNI’s culture and values. The CLO, Piallar, plays an important role in rolling out initiatives that are part of the iBelong programme.

GNI has also supported the ongoing growth of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), which are central to its DE&I programme. These ERGs provide platforms for underrepresented voices, promote allyship, and help shape inclusive policies and practices. I actively encourage participation in these groups within my team.

In addition, we promote social sustainability and community engagement by encouraging participation in school and community programmes, volunteer opportunities, charitable work, and the promotion of DE&I best practices across the organisation.