The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
‘We’re going to take direct action against gas plant’
ANTI-LNG PROTESTORS IN COUNTY CLARE TO FEATURE AS SUBJECT OF NEW NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DOCUMENTARY
COUNTY Clare-based campaigners against the Shannon LNG gas project say they have received training to take ‘direct action’ against the plant.
The warning comes in a statement from group Futureproof Clare this week highlighting a forthcoming National Geographic documentary film about their campaign. The group says it is to be the subject of the documentary to be released in March as part of Nat Geo’s Open Explorer series looking at the work of conservationists in the face of climate change.
The High Court is to rule on the judicial review obtained by Friends of the Irish Environment (FIE) – of the Bord Pleanála’s decision to extend planning for the plant for another five years – following a hearing to take place between January 29 and February 1 next.
US giant New Fortress Energy Ltd stands poised to make the final investment with Shannon LNG to build the plant – pending the outcome of the High Court hearing.
Futureproof Clare group has been running an awareness campaign across the estuary in recent months, with some members now vowing to take what they term ‘direct action’ against the plant.
“As the world wakes up to climate change and the need to get off fossil fuels, here in Ireland there is a growing movement of climate activists, and their most urgent goal is to stop Shannon LNG.
“A concert we held in Scariff in December drew 150 people, while last weekend Futureproof Clare members took part in Direct Action training in Dublin with groups from all over Ireland who plan to take direct action to stop this disastrous project,” member Anne Marie Harrington said.
Locals backing LNG remain tight-lipped this week, pending the High Court outcome.