Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2017
1438. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views regarding the recent decision of the Port of Cork to enter into a joint venture with a company (details supplied) to import liquefied natural gas extracted through fracking in the United States, in view of the recent ban on fracking here due to of the serious environmental damage caused by same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37609/17]
View answerThe production, sourcing, buying and selling of natural gas produced outside this jurisdiction is an operational matter for the undertakings involved. I have no policy remit in relation the means of energy production in other countries. In this jurisdiction, since 2002, the regulation of the gas market has been the responsibility of the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER), which is independent in the performance of its functions. I have no direct statutory function in relation to liquefied natural gas projects, including specific projects such as this project, nor in relation to ports policy. The announced investment decision is a commercial matter for project promoters to take.
