Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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137. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if action will be taken by him to move forward the Shannon LNG project and its associated jobs and investment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4058/15]

Alex White (Dublin South, 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 such as the Shannon LNG project.

Both I 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 I, as Minister, nor my Department has any direct role in regard to the project, representatives of Shannon LNG have had meetings with my predecessor and with my officials to discuss various issues. Any final investment decision in the proposed Shannon LNG project would be a commercial matter and one entirely for the company to take.