Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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176. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the progress of the Shannon LNG project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44240/17]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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The Programme for a Partnership Government makes clear that the Government remains supportive of the proposal to construct an LNG terminal near Ballylongford, County Kerry. The Government has and continues to support the project achieve the status of a Project of Common Interest (PCI) under European Regulation 347/2013 Trans European Energy Infrastructure.

It is important to note that the Shannon LNG project, to which the Deputy refers, is a commercial, private sector project, the implementation of which is ultimately the responsibility of the project promoters.  Final investment decisions for the Shannon LNG project are a matter for the project promoters to take.

The Deputy may also wish to note that, in line with the Programme for Government, my Department, in conjunction with the Commission for Regulation of Utilities, Gas Networks Ireland and EirGrid, is in the process of examining Ireland’s resilience to a long term gas disruption.  The potential for LNG is part of this analysis.  This study will inform the formulation of future policy measures to maintain the resilience of Ireland’s gas and electricity networks and supply.