Kerry mayor demands resignation of Eamon Ryan after Shannon LNG decision

An Bord Pleanála refused permission for the development of a liquefied natural gas terminal and power station on the Shannon estuary

Mayor of Kerry Jim Finucane said it was 'inappropriate' for Environment Minister Eamon Ryan to make a submission on the application. Picture: Domnick Walsh/Eye Focus

Mayor of Kerry Jim Finucane is calling for the resignation of Environment Minister and Green TD Eamon Ryan ahead of a meeting with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar in Limerick on Saturday.

Mr Finucane made the call in the wake of An Bord Pleanála refusing permission for the development of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal and power station on the Shannon estuary in Kerry.

Shannon LNG had been seeking permission for the €650m development, including a 600MW power plant and LNG terminal at the site near Tarbert.

The decision was based on Government policy on the importation of fracked gas, said An Bord Pleanála, adding that it would be inappropriate to permit or proceed with the development of any LNG terminals in Ireland pending the review of energy supply.

'Flawed' process

Mr Finucane, a Fine Gael councillor, said the process that led to the decision by An Bord Pleanála was ‘flawed’ in that the review of energy security was not published in advance of the decision.

He said the Taoiseach had been informed the review was to be published on August 25.

He also said it was "inappropriate" for Mr Ryan to make a submission on the application. 

"I am calling on Eamon Ryan to resign, and I will be saying this to the Taoiseach at the Fine Gael think-in," said the veteran Tralee councillor.