Published: Tue, 25 March 2025
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Seán Kelly MEP, Leader of Fine Gael in the European Parliament, has welcomed An Bord Pleanála’s decision to withdraw its application to appeal the High Court ruling on Shannon LNG.
“This is a positive step forward for Ireland’s energy security,” Kelly said. “For too long, we have faced unnecessary delays and legal wrangling over a project that is important for ensuring a stable energy supply. I welcome that the project will now be able to proceed to the planning system, and hopefully receive a speedy decision.”
The withdrawal follows the government’s recent move to drop the previous coalition’s 2021 ban on LNG imports, which had been a key factor in the initial rejection of the Shannon LNG terminal’s planning application, which was subsequently quashed following a Judicial Review.
“The High Court was clear in its ruling that the previous refusal did not stand up to scrutiny,” Kelly stated. “An Bord Pleanála’s decision to withdraw its appeal removes a hurdle to this important project progressing towards the delivery stage.”
Kelly emphasised the importance of energy security in the current geopolitical climate: “The years since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine have demonstrated clearly the vulnerability of being reliant on single energy supply sources. The Shannon LNG terminal enables us to diversify our gas supply, and will play a vital role in providing resilience to our energy system,” he said.
Looking ahead, Kelly called for a more efficient and predictable planning system: “We cannot afford endless delays when it comes to major infrastructure projects. An efficient and timely decision-making process is essential if we are to attract investment and meet our energy needs.”
“This is a step in the right direction. Now, we must ensure vital projects can proceed without further obstruction,” MEP Kelly concluded.
