This article is from page 33 of the 2007-03-27 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 33 JPG
has learned that Shannon LNG 1s currently con- sulting with local householders in a bid to move along plans for a €400 million liquified natural gas receiv- ing terminal on the Shannon Estu- ary.
A planning application for the con- struction is expected to be lodged by the summer and there are no indica- tions at this stage that there will be any objections lodged to the applica- nl)
Speaking this week, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Micheal Martin said subject to feasi-
bility studies, technical assessments, planning and other approvals, the Ballylongford/Tarbert site could be- come the location for a major import terminal.
He further revealed that an applica- tion for planning permission is likely to be made in the second quarter of 2007 to Kerry County Council.
This major project was announced in May last year and is to be under- taken by Shannon LNG. The site which has been designated for deep water projects is about 25 kilometers from the national gas pipeline grid and the terminal would have the po- tential to provide over 40 per cent of Ireland’s gas requirements.
The proposed terminal would com- prise a ship unloading jetty, two or more storage tanks and related build- ing facilities.
The operation is earmarked to be up and running by 2011, employing over 350 during construction and 50 full-time staff. Construction work is expected to begin next year employ- ing workers from Clare who will avail of the daily Killimer/Tarbert ferry service.
A Shannon Development spokes- person pointed out that additional jobs will also be created in ancillary, support and contracted services.
“We are fully committed to active communication and _ consultation
with the local community and all interested parties along the Shannon Estuary,” said Managing Director at Shannon LNG, Paddy Power.
‘“Treland needs secure, diverse, competitively priced and environ- mentally friendly supplies of energy. The terminal will provide this and it will give rise to increased competi- tion.”
Kevin Thompstone, Chief Execu- tive of Shannon Development said the company is excited about the project. “It has the potential to pro- vide over 40 per cent of Ireland’s gas requirements. We also believe that the project could bring long-term benefits to the Shannon region.”