Deputation satisfied with Taoiseach’s support for gas terminal

A top-level Kerry delegation has been heartened by Taoiseach Enda Kenny’s support for a €500m gas terminal proposed for the Shannon Estuary, amid serious concerns it would not proceed.

The delegation, led by county manager Tom Curran and Kerry mayor Tim Buckley, was introduced by Arts and Heritage Minister Jimmy Deenihan.

They met Mr Kenny and Energy Minister Pat Rabbitte on Wednesday night in Dublin.

Tralee-based Cllr Jim Finucane (FG), also on the deputation, yesterday said both Mr Kenny and Mr Rabbitte indicated they were in favour of the project, which had been described as one of the most crucial pieces of infrastructure ever planned for Kerry.

But he said there are fears it may not go ahead because of a proposal by the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) to charge the company involved, Shannon LNG, for gas interconnectors it will not use.

The liquefied natural gas plant, which has been beset by delays, is earmarked for a site on the Tarbert /Ballylongford landbank. Upwards of 600 jobs would be provided during the four-year construction phase and 50 permanent posts when the plant comes into operation.

The CER is due to submit a final report to Mr Rabbitte on May 11, and the fate of the project should then be known.

Mr Rabbitte, however, has already made it clear he cannot interfere with the independent regulatory process.

Mr Finucane, meanwhile, said the deputation highlighted the critical importance of the project for one of the country’s unemployment black spots.

“During our one-and-a-half hour meeting with the Taoiseach and two cabinet ministers, we stressed it was a catalyst project of huge significance for Kerry, Clare and Limerick,” he said.

“Since the 1960s, the deep water facility of the Shannon Estuary has been kicked around as a political football, but we now have a project which can deliver. Up to €45m has been spent on the project to date.

“We outlined our frustration with the process, our dissatisfaction with some of the state agencies and the lack of visits by the IDA,” he said.

Mr Finucane said it was a no-holds-barred meeting and the delegation stressed they needed a positive decision so that the project could go ahead.

A lobby group, Safety Before LNG, is objecting vehemently to the project, but there is overwhelming support for it among politicians, community organisations and local public bodies.

An obstacle, however, is CER has recommended Shannon LNG should pay €75m annually towards the upkeep of gas interconnectors between Britain and Ireland, even though it would not be using the pipeline.