Rabbitte statement a game changer, say LNG objectors

OBJECTORS to a proposed €500 million gas terminal on the Shannon Estuary have described a recent statement by Energy Minister Pat Rabbitte as a “game changer”.

The minister warned of an increase in gas prices due to the cost of a gas interconnector with Britain if the Shannon LNG (liquefied natural gas) project goes ahead at Tarbert, Co Kerry.

The Commissioner for Energy Regulation (CER) has told Shannon LNG it will have to pay a €10m tariff per year towards the operation and maintenance of gas interconnectors with Britain but the company is refusing, saying it will not use the interconnectors.