The government’s vague stance on a commercial liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility is no longer acceptable or viable, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore.
Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s energy spokesperson, said:
“It’s a damning indictment of the government that An Coimisún Pleanála has had to write to the Minister for the Environment asking him to clarify official State policy ahead of a decision on Shannon LNG’s planning appeal.
“I had also called for clarity on this issue months ago, but there has been no meaningful engagement from Minister O’Brien since.
“Given the government’s continued ambiguity on commercial LNG, it is welcome that the minister’s bluff has now been called by the planning commission. This represents the only real chance of finding out where the government stands.
“The government cannot continue to speak out both sides of its mouth on this issue, on one hand planning to spend hundreds of millions on State-owned LNG infrastructure, while being vague on similar plans by private companies.
“The lack of a clear policy appears to be intentional. By avoiding a firm position on commercial LNG, the government leaves the door open to facilitating it in the future.
“We should not have to rely on An Coimisún Pleanála to determine the government’s policy on such an important issue. Before summer recess, there must be statements in the Dáil on LNG – and full accountability from the minister.”
July 1, 2025