Anger and disbelief in County Council
How the proposed Shannon LNG plant could look on the Ballylongford landbank.
THE announcement on Monday that the future of Shannon LNG now hangs in the balance was met with anger and disbelief at a meeting of Kerry County Council.
The Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) was accused of imposing tariffs which effectively protect competitors, while threatening the biggest investment ever proposed for the north Kerry area.
In a stinging attack on the CER, Cllr John Brassil said the regulator was imposing tariffs to protect the Bord Gais infrastructure, and doing so as to deter projects like LNG.
Questioning what she termed a lack of political will, Cllr Toireasa Ferris said it was mind-boggling that this project wasn't being embraced by the government, which has the power to direct the CER on policy.
In an impassioned plea to our elected representatives, Cllr Michael O'shea warned them not to 'mess this up' and urged them to talk to the Taoiseach about the importance of the project once again.
Terry O'brien agreed that the elected members had a duty to the people of Kerry who voted for them to ensure that they go back to the Dáil and deliver on the jobs they promised when seeking votes.
- MARISA REIDY
