Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 September 2021
48. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of work into developing a policy statement on the importation of fracked gas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41972/21]
View answer87. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the position regarding reports of a proposal by a company (details supplied) to seek approval to build a gas plant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43192/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 48 and 87 together.
On 18 May 2021, the Government's Policy Statement on the Importation of Fracked Gas was published.
The policy statement provides that pending the outcome of a review of the security of energy supply of Ireland’s electricity and natural gas systems being carried out by my Department, it would not be appropriate for the development of any LNG terminals in Ireland to be permitted or proceeded with.
The review is focusing on the period to 2030 in the context of ensuring a sustainable pathway to 2050. The review includes a technical analysis which will help inform a public consultation. It is planned that the technical analysis will be published and the public consultation undertaken later this year. The review, once completed, will be submitted to Government.
I understand that an application has been made to An Bord Pleanála for a project in County Kerry that includes an LNG terminal. Under the Planning and Development Act 2000. An Bord Pleanála is statutorily obliged to have regard to Government policy, including the policy statement set out above, when evaluating such applications.
