Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Michael Healy-Rae, TD has warmly welcomed the decision by An Bórd Pleanála to grant planning permission for a major power plant in North Kerry.
“After a long and arduous battle, I’m encouraged for the future of North Kerry following An Bórd Pleanála’s permission for the development on the Tarbert / Ballylongford landbank.
Vital Back-up Resources
“The decision will ensure the building of a 600 megawatt power plant as well as the planning permission for 220 KV electricity connection cables to connect the power plant to the grid.
“Not only will with bring vital back up resources to the national grid but it will also secure many short- and long-term jobs for the people of North Kerry and hopefully will lead to prosperity to an area of Kerry which has suffered greatly over the years with lack of employment opportunities” Minister Michael Healy Rae added.
Securing Ireland’s Energy Supply
The plant is to consist of three gas turbine halls 30-metres tall, with a total capacity to generate 600 megawatts, as well as a battery storage system, substation, and underground connecting cables.
Shannon LNG had been awarded a contract to provide 353 megawatts of electricity generation for the grid by October 2026, and it submitted this power plant is necessary to secure Ireland’s energy supply.
Minister Norma Foley Welcomes North Kerry Development
Meanwhile, Minister for Children, Disability, Equality and Kerry T.D Norma Foley has also welcomed the An Bord Pleanala decision to grant planning permission for the power plant in North Kerry.
Minister Foley said that she welcomes this positive news regarding the decision to grant planning permission for the plant on the Shannon Estuary and for a 220kV electricity connection cable to connect the power plant to the grid.
“The land bank there has been ripe for development for many decades. The granting of planning permission for this project has the potential to bring significant employment opportunities to the area,” said Minister Foley.
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