LIMERICK Chamber has welcomed a decision by the High Court to uphold the planning permission granted by An Coimisiún Pleanála for a 600-megawatt power plant in Ballylongford, County Kerry.
The decision been described as a landmark outcome following a lengthy planning and regulatory process, but the Chamber is now urging “expediency on approving plans and bringing forward the long-awaited liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal infrastructure”.
The Chamber noted that the decision provides “much needed clarity” on a project that has been subject to multiple objections and policy scrutiny over several years.
“The upholding of granting of permission marks a significant step forward for strategic energy infrastructure and storage on the Shannon Estuary,” a statement from the Chamber said.
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In its previous policy submissions and advocacy work, Limerick Chamber has emphasised the importance of progressing critical infrastructure through the planning system in a timely and transparent manner.
The Chamber highlighted that the latest decision reflects Ireland aligning with European Energy policy on LNG and will help to bolster Ireland’s energy security.
Welcoming the decision, Chamber CEO Donnacha Hurley said: “We welcome the High Court’s decision to uphold planning permission for the power station at the Ballylongford site, this follows what should have been a seamless process but turned into complex and protracted planning process that was bolstered by misalignment of Irish and EU policy.”
“If Ireland is to get serious about tackling our energy insecurity, then we need to ensure a much more efficient planning process for operators. This outcome, combined with State investment for the country’s first strategic gas reserve at Cahercon, brings much-needed clarity and certainty to a project of national and regional importance,” Mr Hurley added.
Seán Golden, chief economist and director of policy at Limerick Chamber, further added that “the Chamber has continually highlighted Ireland’s exposure to international energy shocks. Latest figures suggest that Ireland imports almost 80 per cent of its natural gas supply from a single source in Moffat Scotland”.
“It is estimated that our imports of gas will increase to 90 per cent by 2030. Relying on a single source for supply, as well as the lack of diversity puts Ireland at a serious disadvantage when it comes to international energy shocks, diversity of supply is one way to mitigate against this issue and liquefied natural gas and the opening up of new markets will help.”