The Green Party has expressed its support and satisfaction with the recent decision made by An Bord Pleanála to reject planning permission for the proposed Shannon LNG terminal in Co. Kerry. The subsidiary of New Fortress Energy had applied for permission to construct a €650 million power plant and energy park at a site on the Shannon estuary.
An Bord Pleanála, the Irish planning appeals board, stated that it would not be appropriate to proceed with the development of any LNG terminals until a review of Ireland’s energy supply security is completed. The Green Party welcomed this decision, as it aligns with their belief in the importance of clean, home-produced renewable energy rather than relying on imported fossil fuels.
Brian Leddin, Green Party TD for Limerick City, emphasized that the project was not necessary for energy security. He cited a draft technical analysis by the Center for European Policy Analysis, which cast doubt on the energy security benefits of the Shannon LNG terminal. Leddin argued that what Ireland truly needs is a strategic storage facility, rather than a commercially operated LNG hub.
The Green Party views An Bord Pleanála’s decision as a positive step for climate action. Leddin highlighted Ireland’s potential to become a leader in renewable energy, particularly with the development of offshore wind resources in the future. This transition to clean energy is seen as a means to create thousands of high-skilled jobs, particularly along the west coast of Ireland.
Leddin further emphasized that long-term energy security can be achieved through the expansion of clean energy sources, improvements in energy efficiency, and the electrification of heat and transport. This approach would minimize the country’s reliance on imported fossil fuels.
Overall, the Green Party supports the decision to refuse planning permission for the Shannon LNG terminal, as it aligns with their vision of a sustainable and renewable energy future for Ireland.
Sources:
– An Bord Pleanála
– Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA)