High Court decision on gas power plant in Kerry a step in 'Ireland aligning with EU policy'

A judicial review was lodged by the charity Friends of the Irish Environment.

Limerick Chamber has said the High Court decision to uphold the planning permission for a gas power plant in Co Kerry is a "significant step" in Ireland aligning with EU policy.

Shannon LNG Ltd, an American-owned company, was granted permission to build a 600-megawatt power plant on a 630-acre site between Tarbert and Ballylongford.

An Bord Pleanála granted planning permission for the project, however two judicial reviews were lodged by the charity Friends of the Irish Environment.

In their submission to the High Court, the group noted the Environmental Impact Assessment of the development has underestimated the gross amount of greenhouse gas emissions which would be produced.

Limerick Chamber said the upholding of granting of permission marks a "significant step" forward for strategic energy infrastructure and storage on the Shannon Estuary.

Chamber CEO, Donnacha Hurley said the decision follows, what should have been a seamless process "but turned into complex and protracted planning process that was bolstered by misalignment of Irish and EU policy". 

"If Ireland is to get serious about tackling our energy insecurity, then we need to ensure a much more efficient planning process for operators. This outcome, combined with state investment for the countries first strategic gas reserve at Cahercon, brings much-needed clarity and certainty to a project of national and regional importance."

He said the Chamber has consistently highlighted the need for timely decision-making on strategic infrastructure.

"This decision demonstrates the functioning of the planning system in assessing major projects against evolving policy and environmental considerations. For next stages of the process, there must be an urgent timeline.” 

Chief economist and director of policy at Limerick Chamber, Seán Golden, said latest figures suggest that Ireland imports almost 80% of its natural gas supply from a single source in Moffat, Scotland. 

"It is estimated that our imports of gas will increase to 90% by 2030," he said.

"Relying on a single source for supply, as well as the lack of diversity puts Ireland at a serious disadvantage when it comes to international energy shocks, diversity of supply is one way to mitigate against this issue and Liquefied Natural Gas and the opening up new markets will help. 

"Given the international landscape today it is easy to see how lack of energy diversity can quickly become a national security issue. The EU-wide taxonomy classification highlights Liquefied Natural Gas as a transitional fuel that will allow countries to move away from more emissions heavy fossil fuels as we transition to renewable energy at a greater scale – this high court decision marks a significant step in Ireland aligning with EU Policy.”