Concern is being expressed in Clare about new plans for storing and receiving liquified natural gas on the Shannon Estuary.
US company New Fortress Energy has confirmed its to apply for planning permission for the €650 million project, which would create 70 long term jobs once operational.
Climate groups here say the project would facilitate the use of fracked gas to power homes, though the Government has pledged to generate 70 percent of electricity from renewable energy by 2030.
William Hederman of Futureproof Clare doesn’t believe the project will be as prosperous for the economy as suggested – and would lead to methane leaking into the atmosphere.
Statement from Department Of Climate Action
‘The Policy Statement on the Importation of Fracked Gas, published on the 18th May, was notified to An Bord Pleanala following its approval by Government last month. Section 34 of the Planning & Development Act requires An Bord Pleanala (or any planning authority) to consider the proper planning and sustainable development of an area with regard being had to relevant Government policies such as the Policy Statement on the Importation of Fracked Gas.
The decision on whether a project, that may subsequently be the subject of a planning application, constitutes a strategic infrastructure development or not is based on criteria set out in law.
We are aware of a recent decision by An Bord Pleanala that determined a project, which would include an LNG facility, would constitute a strategic infrastructure development. This decision clarifies the type of development involved but does not provide any approval in relation to the development of the project itself. If this, or any similar, project were to be the subject of a planning application, it is part of the consideration of such an application that the Government policy is relevant.
The Policy Statement also clearly states that pending the outcome of the review of the security of energy supply of Ireland’s electricity and natural gas systems, it would not be appropriate for the development of any LNG terminals in Ireland to be permitted or proceeded with.
Shannon, the west coast and Kerry have huge renewable natural resources that the government is working hard to facilitate. The recent announcement of green Atlantic at Moneypoint is the first of many potentially large scale floating windfarms off the west coast. These will be well out to sea and the jobs that these provide will be high quality manufacturing, maintenance and construction jobs.’
