THE development of a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminal in the Shannon Estuary could go a long way in addressing Ireland’s energy security issues.
That’s according to Limerick Chamber CEO Michelle Gallagher, who was reacting to the news that the High Court have overturned a decision by An Bord Pleanála to refuse to allow planning permission for an LGN terminal on a 630-acre site between Tarbert and Ballylondford in County Kerry, on the Shannon Estuary.
The €650million Shannon LNG terminal should be seen as a step in securing Ireland’s energy for the future as the country moves towards more renewable sources of energy, the Chamber CEO said.
“Ireland needs to remain nimble and agile to remain competitive in this globalised world. Too often we have seen conversations cropping up each autumn and winter focusing on potential blackouts and supply issues regarding energy. This approach is not cohesive to a competitive economy,” Ms Gallagher said.
The new Chamber boss said “there needs to be a large effort in securing our energy security going forward through multiple sources. The current energy landscape in Ireland does not provide certainty for businesses or households and this is cause for concern.”
Issues around planning permission needed to be addressed too, Ms Gallagher said, especially if Ireland is serious about attracting international private investments for energy.
She said that the “High Court ruling serves to reinforce the major issues with the current planning process, in terms of resources, and exorbitant length of time needed to reach a decision”.
“If Ireland Inc is serious about attracting international private investment for energy, there needs to be a quicker turnaround on such strategic infrastructure.
“In failing to do so, we will lose out on private investment and the state will have to pick up the tab and build projects instead.”
