Activists lobby Green Party leader over Shannon Estuary LNG project

GREEN leader Eamon Ryan has been urged not to change tack on his party’s opposition to plans to build a gas terminal along the Shannon Estuary.

More than 150 groups and individuals have signed a letter addressed to Mr Ryan to retain his stance against the building of the €650m scheme.

A key plank of the Green Party’s entry into government almost three years ago was that controversial proposals to build a liquid natural gas (LNG) plant near Ballylongford, North Kerry would not be part of the administration’s policy.

The plans are currently before An Bord Pleanala for decision.

If approved, it’s likely it will be allowed to proceed, despite Green opposition.

Throughout last year, Mr Ryan doubled down on his party’s position, but over the Easter weekend, he conceded there might need to be such a terminal here as the “world changed” when the Nord Stream gas pipelines were damaged as war raged in Ukraine.

Limerick man faces money laundering charge before non-jury Special Criminal Court

Plans for an LNG terminal in North Kerry have proven controversial, with fears it will lead to the import of fracked gas, and that it could lock Ireland into fossil fuels for decades.

Supporters of the project say its crucial for Ireland’s energy security, and will bring about a reduction of reliance on the Russian supply.

The creation of 600 construction jobs and 60 permanent roles has also been held up as a factor in support.

The development, which has been in the mixing pot for almost 20 years, would see a gas-fired electricity generator, an LNG terminal and batteries to store up to 120 megawatts of power along the Shannon Estuary.

It would then import cooled natural gas, which would then be heated to be supplied to the power plant and national supply network.

Signatories to the open letter to Mr Ryan include development agency Trócaire, Friends of The Earth, Christian Aid Ireland and the Irish Wildlife Trust.

A number of TDs have also put their names to the communication including Ireland South MEP Mick Wallace and Green Party TD, Neasa Hourigan, who was born in Limerick.

Locally, Limerick councillor Elisa O’Donovan and the city branch of People Before Profit have signed up.

FutureProof Clare and Safety Before LNG, which has long opposed the plan are also on the letter.

“We call on you to confirm publicly and without delay, that you will honour the commitment you made to the Irish electorate - to implement a policy of banning fracked gas imports via any LNG terminals in Ireland,” the letter states.