The EU is taking the Republic of Ireland and UK to court for failing to comply with rules designed to boost competition in the natural gas market. EU rules require gas pipelines connecting different member states offer maximum capacity to the market to facilitate competition.

The European Commission said yesterday it believes the Republic and UK are not “fully in line” with those rules and as a result, is referring them to the European Court of Justice (ECG).

A commission statement explained that the pipeline connecting the Republic and Northern Ireland is not open to the market, which prevents gas companies on both sides of the border trading with each other. At the same time, the pipe connecting Northern Ireland and Scotland does not offer capacity for commercial trade, which long-standing EU legislation requires.

The Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources confirmed it was aware of the decision.