Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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23. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the much needed Shannon liquified natural gas project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16198/15]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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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.

The Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) was established in 1999 as Ireland’s independent electricity regulator under the Electricity Regulation Act 1999 and it is statutorily independent in the performance of its functions. Since 2002, the regulation of the gas market has been the responsibility of the CER.

While, I, as Minister, do not have any direct statutory function in relation to liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects, including specific projects like the Shannon LNG project, I have met with various parties in regard to the development of the project.

Any investment decision in the proposed Shannon LNG project would be a commercial matter and one entirely for the company to take. I and my Department, however, remain available to assist Shannon LNG in whatever way we can, while of course respecting regulatory independence.