Proposed Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve Bill Grants Minister Power Over LNG Facility Planning in Ireland
A proposed Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve Bill in Ireland would grant the Minister for the Environment, Darragh O'Brien, authority over planning and consent applications for a €900 million liquefied natural gas facility on the Shannon estuary, bypassing standard regulatory reviews. While the all-party committee supports expediting the project, some members have raised concerns about the lack of pre-legislative scrutiny. If enacted, Gas Networks Ireland would handle development, with public objections still allowed under judicial review.
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A proposed law would empower the Minister for the Environment, Darragh O'Brien, to decide on all planning and consent applications for the State's €900 million liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility on the Shannon estuary. This includes applications for maritime work, pipeline laying, and land purchases, which typically require review by An Coimisiún Pleanála and other regulatory bodies.
The request to bypass normal scrutiny procedures was raised by an all-party committee, with O'Brien citing urgency for the facility's progress. Several committee members opposed this, emphasizing the need for pre-legislative scrutiny.
The proposed legislation, known as the Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve Bill, aims to create a specific planning pathway for the project. Gas Networks Ireland is tasked with facility development and would submit applications directly to the Minister if the law is enacted. Public observations and objections would still be permitted, subject to judicial review.
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