Seán Sherlock
Question:43. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to intervene on a project in Cork Harbour pursuing an LNG facility. [49430/19]
View answerThursday, 28 November 2019
Questions (43)
Written answers
I understand that in July 2017 US company NextDecade announced it had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Port of Cork to develop a Liquid Natural Gas import terminal in Cork harbour, using a floating storage and regasification unit. NextDecade’s “Inisfree” project is a private sector project.
Final investment decisions for this project and compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements in relation to consents or permits will be the responsibility of the project promoter. Any undertaking would be required to comply with EU law in this area.
As I have previously advised the House, the Climate Action Plan, which I launched in June, sets out an ambitious course of action to address the challenge of climate disruption and the impacts on our environment. This includes a commitment to deliver 70% renewable electricity by 2030. In the context of this transition to a carbon neutral economy, I have initiated the process of commissioning a comprehensive independent energy sustainability and security review. This review, which will be completed during 2020, will examine the fuel mix necessary, including the role of gas in electricity generation and how and from where it is sourced, and the role of other technologies such as interconnection and battery storage as back-up for renewables, to ensure security of supply.