Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 September 2021
19. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the steps he intends to take to ensure that no proposal for a LNG terminal will be developed in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43673/21]
View answerThe Government's Policy Statement on the Importation of Fracked Gas was published in May of this year. This fulfilled a commitment set out in the Programme for Government. 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 that is currently 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, which I expect to complete in the first half of next year, will be submitted to Government.
The policy statement was notified to An Bord Pleanala following its approval by Government. Under the Planning and Development Act 2000, An Bord Pleanala is statutorily obliged to have regard to Government policy including the Policy Statement on the Importation of Fracked Gas.
I am aware of a recent application for such a project and I intend to make a submission to An Bord Pleanála setting out the Government policy in this regard.
