Tánaiste Leo Varadkar has said that a proposed liquefied natural gas terminal in Kerry is “not the right investment” for the site.
The remarks were made in the Dáil last week, as energy prices continue to surge across Europe.
“There is a planning application for an LNG terminal in Tarbert in north Kerry,” said Varadkar, adding that the project was not supported by the government.
“I do not think that is the right investment for that site,” he said.
“This is an area that is close to the mouth of the Shannon Estuary. It is very close to our offshore wind resources in the west, and it is very close to the national grid, which is plugged into Moneypoint and Tarbert.”
Varadkar said that he would prefer to see offshore wind development at the site instead.
The comments come as Germany works hard to quickly create two new LNG terminals in an effort to curb Russian energy dependence.
Germany pledges new support for liquefied natural gas terminals, the latest sign it’s willing to retool its energy policy in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine https://t.co/zoHdcdtQTH pic.twitter.com/1Xjw0pEzE4
— Zoe Schneeweiss (@ZSchneeweiss) February 27, 2022
There is significant concern over the Russian invasion of Ukraine and its implications for Western Dutch as coal, and 27% of its crude oil.
As other countries scramble to expand their traditional energy production capacities, Irish politicians are tabling bills seeking to ban the use of LNG altogether.
A Green Party TD has proposed a ban on liquefied natural gas terminals to stop climate change – even as energy prices soar across Ireland and Europe.#gripthttps://t.co/arhAWv9sXS
— gript (@griptmedia) February 21, 2022