A Clare environmental group claims a proposed gas reserve will “hinder” the transition to renewable energy.
It comes as a representative from Gas Networks Ireland has given a presentation to Clare County Council’s Rural and Community Development Strategic Policy Committee on the proposed Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve in Kildysart.
The plan approved by the Government last March would see the docking of a floating storage and regasification unit at a jetty in Cahiracon.
The purpose of the project is to provide Ireland with a backup source of gas in the event of a major disruption to its supply.
Gas Network Ireland intends to apply for planning permission next year and begin construction in 2028, with the project hoped to be completed in 2030.
During construction, it’s predicted 300 to 400 people would be employed, with 40 to 50 to be working there when it’s fully operational.
Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve Programme Director, Padraic O’Connell, says they’ll make every effort to shorten the timeline.
The Stop Shannon LNG coalition has previously said the project would represent a “reckless and unnecessary shift towards long-term fossil gas infrastructure”.
It’s also claimed it’s in “direct conflict” with Ireland’s climate obligations.
Kilkee native, Futureproof Clare member, and Environmental and Conservation Representative on Clare County Council’s Rural and Community Development SPC, Criosdoir King, says there’s no clarity on how the project will contribute to the transition to renewables.
Listen to the full interview here
*Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
