Planning permission granted for LNG power plant in Kerry
An Bord Pleanála has granted planning permission to Shannon LNG Limited for a power plant, with a total installed capacity of 600 megawatts.
Shannon LNG wants to construct a power plant, battery energy storage system and a re-gasification unit, on a 630-acre site between Tarbert and Ballylongford in Co Kerry.
In a 32-page ruling this morning, An Bord Pleanála also granted permission for a 120-megawatt Battery Energy Storage System.
An Bord Pleanála said it was granting permission, under section 37G of the Planning and Development Act 2000, subject to a lengthy series of conditions.
Last September, the High Court overturned a decision by An Bord Pleanála refusing permission for the gas terminal in Co Kerry.
The planning board had ruled that it would be inappropriate to permit such a development, pending the completion of an ongoing review of energy supply.
An Bord Pleanála had said the project was “contrary to Government policy and therefore contrary to the proper planning and development of the area”.
However, the High Court found that this view was based on an interpretation of policy statements and technical analysis, as opposed to a formal State directive or undertaking.
The development followed a judicial review application by Shannon LNG, a subsidiary of the US-based New Fortress Energy company.
The judgment also said An Bord Pleanála failed to consider or have regard to support for the project in the Kerry County Development Plan, along with “relevant considerations” from several other plans, concerning measures to safeguard gas supply.
The decision to quash the refusal was contained in a ruling from Mr Justice Richard Humphreys.
It was understood that An Bord Pleanála is seeking leave to appeal the ruling.
“I welcome this positive news regarding An Bord Pleanála’s decision to grant planning permission for a 600 MW power plant on the Shannon Estuary and for a 220kV electricity connection cable to connect the power plant to the grid,” said Minister for Children, Disability, Equality and Kerry TD Norma Foley.
“The land bank in Tarbert has been ripe for development for many decades. The granting of planning permission for this project has the potential to bring significant employment opportunities to the area,” she added.