Breakfast discussion hosted by Energy Law Ireland (ELI), 22 Sept 2026, 7.30am-9.30am at Stephen's Green Club, Dublin 2 (Chatham House Rules)

Panel discussion hosted by Energy Law Ireland (ELI), Stephen's Green Club, Dublin — Tuesday, 22 September 2026, 7.30–9.30am.

ELI is convening this panel to support an informed discussion of Ireland's potential adoption of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). The panel brings together political, engineering and industry perspectives on SMRs and nuclear energy in Ireland, chaired by Eva Barrett of the ELI Committee (Consultant at William Fry). The session will be conducted under Chatham House Rules.

Registration and a light breakfast commence at 7.30am with speakers commencing at 8.00am sharp followed by a Q&A session. The event will conclude at 9.30am. Online registration only please. €20 registration fee (+ small eventbrite handling fee).

Chair and panellist biographies:

Eva Barrett (Chair) Dr Eva Barrett is a Consultant in William Fry's Energy & Infrastructure group and a member of the ELI Committee. She joined the firm from Solar Ireland, where as Director of Policy and Regulation she worked on the implementation of the Net Zero Industry Act, engaging directly with Government, the CRU, EirGrid and ESB Networks. She brings over sixteen years' experience across private practice, industry advocacy and regulatory leadership, including at the European Commission.

James O'Connor TD James O'Connor has been a Teachta Dála for Cork East since the 2020 general election. He is the sponsor of the Electricity Regulation (Removal of Nuclear Fission Prohibitions) Bill 2026, which seeks to repeal Ireland's statutory ban on nuclear energy. The bill has since secured backing from his own parliamentary party.

Eamonn O'Reilly Eamonn O'Reilly is an expert in Small Modular Reactors. He was Chief Executive of Dublin Port Company from 2010 to 2022, overseeing volume growth of a quarter, profit growth of a third, and €500 million in infrastructure investment. He now chairs the Energy and Climate Action Committee at the Irish Academy of Engineering.

Jonathan Gallagher Jonathan Gallagher is Policy Engagement Manager at EirGrid, Ireland's electricity transmission system operator. He brings the system operator's perspective to the panel, addressing how nuclear power might fit into Ireland's evolving grid needs.

Denis O'Sullivan Denis O'Sullivan is a director at Bord Gáis Energy/Centrica Power. He joined from Ervia, where he held senior roles including Networks Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer, after 15 years in wind energy and waste-to-energy. He holds an honours degree in Mechanical Engineering from MTU.

ELI would like to thank William Fry LLP for their support of this event. Please tick the box when registering if you would like to receive Energy Law Updates from William Fry LLP.

Description supplied by the event organiser.