The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Hearing on LNG plant underway at the High Court
AN environmental group is challenging the extension of planning for the Shannon LNG plant in the High Court this week on the grounds that the terminal would fly in the face of legislation brought in long after the original planning was granted, among other key points.
Friends of the Irish Environment revealed details of its challenge under a judicial review process in the High Court as the hearing was to get underway on Tuesday.
The stakes could not be higher. Supporters of the €500million project believe it would transform the ailing economy of North Kerry/ West Limerick, with hundreds of construction jobs in the short term.
Those against it believe it would substantially undermine the State’s efforts to get off fossil fuels, and encourage the environmentally hazardous fracking industry in the US from which much of the gas would likely be sourced.
FIE were to claim in the High Court that An Bord Pleanála ‘ignored’ Ireland’s legal obligation under the 2015 Climate Change Act in extending planning for the plant for a further five years last year. They also claim the initial planning had expired.
“There is no point bringing in legislation to deal with climate change if projects which will lock Ireland into fossil fuels are approved while ignoring the requirement to consider the climate impact,” FIE stated, adding: “The proposed terminal will be capable of receiving the largest LNG tankers in operation and is designed to import significant quantities of fossil fuels into the national and European gas grid, locking another generation into fossil fuels.”
FIE also claim much of the gas would be sourced abroad by fracking – an extraction process banned in Ireland. “What is the point of banning fracking in Ireland only to buy it from other countries, rewarding irresponsible Governments?” FIE asked.
Supporters of the project locally remain tightlipped on the challenge pending its outcome, which is expected in the weeks ahead.