Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
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22. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the future progress of the proposed Shannon LNG gas terminal in Tarbert, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47351/14]

Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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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. The Minister has no direct statutory function in relation to liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects, including specific projects such as the Shannon LNG project. The Minister and Government colleagues have consistently been supportive of the proposal by Shannon LNG to construct a LNG terminal near Ballylongford, County 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. Such a facility would be a positive step for the island of Ireland. While neither the Minister or the Department have any direct role in regard to the project, they have met with representatives of Shannon LNG who have updated them on the project and outlined various issues. Any final investment decision would be a commercial matter for the company.