Leitrim councillors oppose Government’s policy shift on fracked gas

On Tuesday, March 4, the Government approved plans for Ireland's first liquified natural gas (LNG) terminal at a cost of €300 million.

The Government stated that this controversial form of gas would be stored as an emergency reserve, to provide an alternative supply in case of disruptions to Ireland’s gas supply at an “appropriate scale.”

However, the strategic reserve must be emptied and replenished every two months to keep the gas fresh and usable, raising concerns that this could lead to a reliance on fracked gas.

Cllr Eddie Mitchell has been a vocal opponent of the reversal of the ban of fracked gas. At the May meeting of Leitrim County Council, he called on councillors to support a statement on the matter.

Cllr Mitchell’s statement read: “The elected members of Leitrim County Council are very concerned that the Government has changed the policy of keeping large quantities of fracked gas out of the Irish energy mix. 

Leitrim Councillor crisitsies government approval of LNG terminal

Government approves LNG terminal, scrapping ban on fracked gas imports, sparking fierce opposition from Leitrim environmental groups.

“We ask that our four TD representatives and Senator work together with our affected communities and step up to the task of fighting against fracking in a way that reflects their duty to the people living in the Lough Allen Gas Basin and ensure that the new policy is reviewed and reversed in line with our values to protect public health and the environment.”

The motion was seconded by Cllr Mary Bohan, who remarked: “I know we’re talking about securing energy but I don’t think this is the answer.

“It’s very disappointing that it has come to the stage that it has, that we’re importing fracked gas.”

Cllr Gilmartin also expressed support, noting that the location of the LNG terminal in the south of the country will not impact that area’s residents in the same way it will affect other regions like the north west in the long term.

All councillors supported the motion except for Cllr Enda McGloin, who expressed concerns about Ireland’s energy future.

READ MORE: 'Something has to give': Home help crisis in Leitrim deepens