Serious concerns raised over proposed LNG terminal in the Shannon Estuary

Concerns were raised about the proposed LNG terminal along the Shannon Estuary at the January meeting of Clare County Council.

Since Cahercon was selected as the site for the major State-led energy project in late 2025, the announcement has been met with mixed reactions.

Clare councillors voiced their concerns in regards to the need for improved infrastructure and financial investment required for the project and opposition to the importation of fracked gas into the county.

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Fianna Fáil councillor Michael Shannon called on the council to "carry out an overview of the required physical infrastructure to support the proposed development at Cahircon and the Shannon Estuary by Gas Networks Ireland."

He explained "if the proposed development obtains planning approval, the local area will require considerable financial investment from central government."

The Clare site was selected late last year after a comprehensive evaluation of technical, environmental and planning criteria.

The project will deliver Ireland’s new Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve, a State-led facility designed to protect the country’s energy supply in the event of a major disruption.

Initially approved by the government in March 2025, the delivery of the Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve as it is critical for Ireland’s energy security while the State continues to transition to renewable energy.

The new gas reserve will be delivered in the form of a Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU), which will be owned and operated on behalf of the State by Gas Networks Ireland.

Cllr Shannon explained that the plan is for the reserve to have "one week's supply of gas for Ireland in the case of problems with gas connections".

He called the decision for Cahercon being chosen for the site as a "monumental decision" as Clare has been a "fundamental key stone for the country" for the production of gas and wind energy.

Cllr Shannon highlighted that it will bring increased jobs to Clare and "could be equal to Moneypoint if it goes well", however he highlighted the need for improved infrastructure, such as wastewater facilities in the surround areas.

Cllr Tony Mulcahy supported but noted that "the infrastructure must be right", Fianna Fáil councillor Joe Kileen said that it is a good opportunity for employment to come to the county, especially in West Clare.

Sinn Féin councillor Tommy Guilfoyle voiced his concern that the proposed project may bot be in line with Ireland's climate obligations due to the importation of fracked gas.

Stating that fracked gas will "speed up the demise of the world."

Fracked gas is natural gas extracted by breaking underground rock formations using high-pressure water, sand and chemicals, a process widely linked to environmental and climate concerns.

Cllr Guilfoyle clarified that he is not opposing the improved infrastructure and the creation of jobs, his only concern lies with the importing of fracked gas into Clare.

Fianna Fáil councillor David Griffen also voiced concerns over fracked gas, stating that it is "a concern at the moment but can we use gas for renewable energy?"

Cllr Dinny Gould said "any bit of industry down there is good", noting that while there was support in the area for it at first, there is "a lot of objection now."

Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council Paul Murphy added that the area "could badly do with a bit of industry."

While Independent councillor Ian Lynch welcomed the proposed development, he voiced his concern of how the terminal being situated in the Shannon Estuary would effect the cruise ship industry.

Cllr Shannon concluded by highlighting that the development is "coming to a community where these projects don't come around every day - or decade."

While he acknowledged the issues his fellow councillors have with fracked gas he noted that this is a "critical piece of infrastructure" that will be "beneficial to the county and region."

Jason Murphy, Director of Service for Planning, Economic, Rural and Community Development, said, in a written reply, the notice of motion was welcomed and acknowledged the importance of the proposed Cahercon development to the State’s strategic energy reserve as well as to local communities and services.

He said Gas Networks Ireland had shown strong awareness of both the potential impacts and benefits of the project, engaging with the community in Kildysart and briefing Clare County Council’s management team following the announcement.

While the project remains at an early stage, he said engagement with Gas Networks Ireland is “active and constructive,” with a shared understanding that any development must deliver “meaningful benefits for the local community.”

He noted that discussions are mindful of potential community gain funding, short-term economic benefits such as job creation during construction, and the need to carefully consider impacts on infrastructure, including roads.

Mr Murphy added that longer-term planning is already under way in areas such as housing, public services, transport and tourism, and confirmed the council will continue working with stakeholders and keep elected members updated as the project progresses.