Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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406. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will establish a multi-departmental taskforce to progress the Shannon LNG project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25279/14]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Since 2002, the regulation of the gas market has been the responsibility of the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER), which is independent in the performance of its functions. I have no direct statutory function in relation to liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects, including specific projects like the Shannon LNG project. I and Government colleagues have consistently been supportive of the proposal by Shannon LNG to construct a LNG terminal near Ballylongford, Co Kerry. The LNG facility would provide additional security of supply to Ireland in that it would bring diversity to Ireland's supply sources and would bring connectivity for the first time to the global LNG market. The prospect of such a facility is therefore a potentially positive step for the island of Ireland. The timing of an investment decision by Shannon LNG is a commercial decision for the company. I would add that I have been in recent and regular contact with the company.

In these circumstances I have no proposals to establish a multi-Departmental taskforce to progress the Shannon LNG project.