Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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245. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the proposed Shannon liquefied natural gas, LNG, facility (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7937/18]

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 a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG ) terminal near Ballylongford, County Kerry, and has  supported the project promoters in their application to achieve the status of a Project of Common Interest (PCI) under European Regulation 347/2013 which covers 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 be aware that Shannon Commercial Properties, which is part of the Shannon Group, a State-owned commercial body under the aegis of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, has sought expressions of interest in relation to the lands at Ballylongford. I understand that Shannon Commercial Properties is keen that the site is developed and its potential realised. My Department has no role in managing this process, which, I understand is on-going. 

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.