Ned O'Sullivan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am pleased there was a decision in the High Court yesterday regarding the Shannon LNG project in Ballylongford in north Kerry. The decision by An Bord Pleanála not to give the go-ahead for that project was overturned. I had the pleasure of proposing this project.The year before I became a Senator, when I was mayor of Kerry, almost 18 years ago now, I proposed that project. It was put on what is called "fast-track planning", but we are still dealing with it. Of course, it has been bedevilled by all kinds of objections, some genuinely based but most spurious. The project has the support of 99% of the community of the region. It would be a huge boost for the economy there. A whole generation of young people, including past pupils of mine, are pulling pints in bars in New York and working in construction in Australia. They could have been at home raising families during this period. They would come back on the spot if there was sufficient work for them.

Many Members in this House, mainly our Green Party colleagues, opposed the project. I understand their concerns but I wish they would read closely what the project developers are saying. They have given a commitment that they will not be using fracked gas. You can say something many times and it is still ignored by the objectors. It is a big day. An Bord Pleanála will have no option now but to give planning. The Government has done its damnedest to stop it. I look forward to a huge development for County Kerry and maybe the creation of 500 to 1,000 jobs. It will revolutionise the economy in our area. Our Leader might keep on eye on it to make sure the Government does not do any damage.