Shannon LNG has reactivated its planning application to build a liquefied natural gas terminal in North Kerry.
The company was refused permission in September 2023 for the same LNG terminal on the Tarbert/Ballylongford landbank, but this refusal was quashed by the High Court last year.
The government earlier this year removed a policy statement which had prevented the development of commercial LNG facilities.
Shannon LNG was granted planning for a power plant and battery energy storage system at the site in March, but this has been appealed by way of a judicial review.
Planning was first granted for an LNG facility on this 52-hectare site 17 years ago, but the development has still not taken place, and that permission has since expired.
Shannon LNG filed a planning application for an LNG terminal and power plant in 2021, but this was refused by An Bórd Pleanála in September 2023; this refusal cited what it said was Government policy.
12 months later, the High Court quashed this refusal, and while An Bórd Pleanála originally sought to appeal this, it then withdrew this appeal in March, paving the way for a fresh application to be made for the LNG terminal.
The government also removed its policy statement on the importation of fracked gas earlier this year, which also opened the door for commercial LNG facilities in this country.
Shannon LNG has now re-activated its previous planning application from 2021, seeking permission to build its proposed Shannon Energy and Technology Park.
This is to consist of a 600-Megawatt power plant, a 120-Megawatt hour battery energy storage system, a terminal capable of storing up to 180,000 cubic metres of LNG, and regasification unit.
In its planning application, the company says this will provide an alternative source of natural gas supply in the form of regasified LNG, and a new source of electricity to the national grid.
It says the development does not depend on fracked gas, but this has been contested by environmental activists.
Shannon LNG says this will address security of energy supply risks to Ireland, address electricity capacity shortfalls, and support intermittent renewable energy.
It’s envisaged up to 975 people will be employed during construction, and over 100 people while the development is operational.
The company acknowledges in its application the major adverse impact on the environment through carbon emissions, but says this has to be considered against the energy security and employment benefits.
An Bórd Pleanála is due to decide on this reactivated application by 22nd September.
Shannon LNG was earlier this year granted planning for the 600-Megawatt power plant and battery energy storage system at the site, but this has been appealed by way of a judicial review.
