Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 February 2022
145. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will support a legislative proposal to implement an outright ban on LNGs in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10273/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government Policy Statement on importing fracked gas was approved by Government and published in May 2021. 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 the Department, it would not be appropriate for the development of any LNG terminals in Ireland to be permitted or proceeded with. The Government policy statement on Security of Electricity Supply, published in November 2021, does not change what was set out in the Policy Statement on the Importation of Fracked Gas. While a project involving an LNG terminal may also include gas-fired generation, it is still an LNG terminal and so it would not be appropriate for the project to be permitted or proceeded with, pending the outcome of the review.
It is planned to complete the overall review later this year, following which it will be submitted to Government. At that point, the Government can assess whether any further legislative or policy amendments are appropriate.
