Several elected members of Kerry County Council have expressed strong criticism of An Bórd Pleanála’s recent decision to reject the construction of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal in North Kerry. The planning body refused permission for the project proposed by Shannon LNG Ltd, a subsidiary of New Fortress Energy, citing various reasons.
During a full council meeting, some elected councillors voiced their discontent with the decision and called into question the position of the Minister for the Environment. Mayor of Kerry, Jim Finucane, accused the cabinet of not adequately defending the project and called for Minister Eamon Ryan to resign. Other councillors similarly expressed frustration and disappointment with the outcome.
Councillor Michael Foley raised concerns about the decision being made without the release of the final energy report, while Councillor Aoife Thornton called it bizarre and likened it to a judge making a ruling without hearing from the main witness. Independent councillor Jackie Healy-Rae emphasized the significance of the decision for the country’s energy security and called on coalition leaders to take responsibility.
Sinn Féin councillor Cathal Foley questioned the surprise expressed by some, as the decision was seemingly at odds with government policy. On the other hand, Councillor Maura Healy-Rae criticized Minister Ryan’s actions and suggested that having a Kerry TD in the cabinet had not been beneficial. Meanwhile, Councillor Michael O’Shea described the decision as a sad day for the county and blamed Rural Alliance TDs for their lack of action during the government’s formation.
The exchanges in the council chambers grew heated, with politicians from different parties expressing frustration and disappointment. CEO of Kerry County Council, Moira Murrell, clarified that the council had already submitted its opinions on the matter to An Bórd Pleanála, but the decision now rested with the planning body.
The refusal of permission for the LNG terminal has sparked frustration among members of Kerry County Council, who believe it will have a detrimental impact on the economic future of the county. The decision has also raised concerns about the process followed by An Bórd Pleanála and the involvement of the Minister for the Environment. The council has expressed its support for New Fortress Energy to explore all available options to move forward with the project.
Sources:
– Kerry County Council
– An Bórd Pleanála