An oral hearing into a proposal to build a liquefied natural gas terminal between Tarbert and Ballylongford on the Shannon Estuary has opened in Tralee, Co Kerry.
The project, estimated to cost €0.5bn, would allow Shannon LNG to import natural gas before transferring it to the national grid.
However, objectors say the project would be unsafe.
The hearing is being conducted by An Bord Pleanála and is the first to be heard under legislation designed to fast-track planning for projects of strategic economic importance.
Shannon LNG proposes to build a liquefied natural gas terminal and four giant storage tanks on a 280-acre site.
Millions of gallons of natural gas would be stored at the facility before being pumped into the national grid, via a pipeline 30km long.
650 jobs would be created during the four-year construction phase, with a further 50 jobs long-term.
The company says the terminal would offer Ireland diversity and security of supply.
But residents living close to the proposed terminal say they fear explosions and leaks, and that they may be forced to quit their homes if an exclusion zone is created around the facility.
The oral hearing is scheduled to last a week, with An Bord Pleanála promising a decision by the end of March.
