The national planning body has sought clarity on the government’s current policy on private LNG developments, before it decides on a potential LNG facility in North Kerry.
In March, the government removed a policy statement which had previously been cited in the refusal of permission for commercial LNG facilities.
An Coimisiún Pleanála has now written to the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh O’Brien, to ask what the current policy means for Shannon LNG’s planning application.
Shannon LNG was refused permission to build a liquefied natural gas terminal on the Tarbert/Ballylongford landbank in September 2023, but this refusal was then quashed by the High Court.
An Bórd Pleanála, now An Coimisiún Pleanála, had cited government policy in its refusal for the LNG facility.
Earlier this year, the government removed its policy statement which had banned the development of private LNG facilities.
The government also approved a state-led strategic gas emergency reserve in the form of a floating storage and regasification unit (or FSRU), owned and operated by Gas Networks Ireland on behalf of the state.
Shannon LNG’s previous planning application has since been reactivated, meaning it’s back before An Coimisiún Pleanála for decision; that decision is due by 22nd September.
In a letter to Minister Darragh O’Brien, seen by Radio Kerry, An Coimisiún Pleanála has said this planning application relates to a private FSRU, and in that regard, it is seeking clarity as to what the policy is in relation to private FSRUs.
The planning body writes that it considers it appropriate to request the Minister make a further submission or observation on Shannon LNG’s application to this effect.
Specifically, it wants the Minister to provide the Commission with information as to what the implications are for the government’s current policy, on this planning application for an LNG facility in North Kerry, in the Minister’s view.
The letter concludes that any such submissions or observations the Minister may have in response must be received by 7th August.
