Estuary site opposite Limerick port town beats 13 others to gas rescue project

A TOWNLAND across the Shannon Estuary from Foynes Port has been selected for a major new project which could provide rescue if Ireland’s gas supply is disrupted.

Cahiracon, Co Clare, has been picked by Gas Networks Ireland as the location for Ireland’s new Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve.

A State-led project, it will provide a temporary natural gas facility which can be used in the event of interruptions to the country’s gas supply.

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It will be delivered in the form of a floating storage and regasification unit, which will be owned and operated on behalf of the State by Gas Networks Ireland.

Cahiracon beat 13 other coastal sites to the project.

In recent months, Gas Networks Ireland’s team of engineers and consultants undertook detailed site assessments at locations in Cork Harbour and the Shannon Estuary.

Each site was evaluated against four specific criteria - technical, environmental, financial and planning.

Following this analysis, plus its associated pipe route corridor, the site at Cahiracon was deemed to best meet the project needs.

As a result of the investment, the site in Clare is to be developed to include the deep-water jetty, an onshore facility and a new connection to the national gas network.

Bobby Gleeson, the chief operating officer of Gas Networks Ireland said: “This is a very significant milestone in the delivery of Ireland’s Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve.”

Representatives of Gas Networks Ireland are set to begin engagement with the local community to inform them more about the project.

“We will be keeping local stakeholders updated and informed throughout this process,” Mr Gleeson said.

Gas Networks Ireland says the country needs a temporary strategic gas emergency reserve because it currently imports 80% of its natural gas via two interconnectors from Britain.

Any interruption to that supply would have a severe impact on electricity and heating to homes and businesses.

As things stand, gas provides about 30% of Ireland’s primary energy needs and typically generates more than 40% of our electricity.

At peak demand, gas can supply up to 80% of Ireland’s electricity generation.

The Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve will help mitigate this risk, as it will provide an alternative gas supply in the form of Liquefied Natural Gas.

The new unit planned for the estuary will store liquid gas at very low temperatures and then converts it to natural gas if or when required.

The vessel will be docked at a jetty in Cahiracon and can deliver this natural gas to the existing gas network if required at any point.