Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy is aware of this, but I restate An Bord Pleanála is independent of Government. Applications are made. The potential development she refers to is a matter that has been before the courts and has been with An Bord Pleanála. I am not going to comment further other than to say Government will not intervene in that instance. It would not be appropriate for us to do so. Our focus is on the FSRU, which will be State-led and State-run. As to how that operates, gas is used every couple of months, but it is not going to be used for additional energy generation. It will be used instead of other gas. That is just how the mechanism and process works. It will not produce any additional energy. It will not increase our reliance on gas, but we need that reserve in case there is a disruption. Disruption to the connection with Britain via Scotland would cause incredible difficulties for this country, our society and our economy and I cannot ignore the advices there.

I fully stand over the decision Government has made and will publish the CEPA report.

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