Written answers

Thursday, 1 July 2021

Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment

Energy Production

Photo of Jennifer WhitmoreJennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
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185. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if information will be provided on the notifications or directions submitted by his Department to An Bord Pleanála in view of the policy statement on the importation of fracked gas produced on 18 May 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35425/21]

Photo of Jennifer WhitmoreJennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
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186. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the policy statement on the importation of fracked gas, including a current ban on liquefied natural gas terminals pending a security review in view of An Bord Pleanála’s decision to permit an application for planning from a proposed liquefied natural gas development (details supplied) as a strategic infrastructure project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35427/21]

Photo of Eamon RyanEamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 185 and 186 together.

The Programme for Government set out that the Government does not support the importation of fracked gas and committed to developing a policy statement to establish that approach. On 18 May, the Government's Policy Statement on the Importation of Fracked Gas was published.

The policy statement provides that pending the outcome of a review of the security of energy supply of Ireland’s electricity and natural gas systems being carried out by my Department, it would not be appropriate for the development of any LNG terminals in Ireland to be permitted or proceeded with.

The review of the security of energy supply of Ireland’s electricity and natural gas systems is focusing on the period to 2030 in the context of ensuring a sustainable pathway to 2050. The review includes a technical analysis which will help inform a public consultation. It is planned that the technical analysis will be published and the public consultation undertaken in the second half of this year. The review, once completed, will be submitted to Government.

The Policy Statement on the Importation of Fracked Gas was notified to An Bord Pleanala following its approval by Government. Section 34 of the Planning & Development Act requires An Bord Pleanala (or any planning authority) to consider the proper planning and sustainable development of an area with regard being had to relevant Government policies such as the Policy Statement on the Importation of Fracked Gas.

I am aware of a recent decision by An Bord Pleanala that determined a project, which would include an LNG facility, would constitute a strategic infrastructure development. This decision clarifies the type of development involved and therefore which planning authority any potential application should be made to. It does not provide any approval in relation to the development of the project itself. If this, or any similar, project were to be the subject of a planning application, it is as part of that process that the Government's policy statement is relevant.

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