Cahiracon, Co. Clare along the Shannon Estuary has been selected by Gas Networks Ireland as the location for Ireland's new Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve (SGER).
The new gas reserve is a State-led project that aims to provide a temporary natural gas facility that can be used in the event of a disruption to Ireland’s gas supplies.
In March, the Government approved the delivery of the SGER which is critical for Ireland’s energy security while the State continues to transition to renewable energy.
It 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.
Initially, 14 possible coastal sites were considered as potential locations for the strategic gas emergency reserve.
In recent months, Gas Networks Ireland’s team of engineers and consultants undertook detailed site assessments at locations in Cork Harbour and the Shannon Estuary.
Gas Networks Ireland said each site was evaluated against four specific criteria - technical, environmental, financial and planning.
It said that following this comprehensive multi-criteria and cost-benefit analysis, plus its associated pipe route corridor, the site at Cahiracon was deemed to best meet the project needs.
The multi-acre site in Cahiracon will be developed to include a deep-water jetty for a floating storage regasification unit (FRSU), an onshore facility, and a new connection to the national gas network.
"This is a very significant milestone in the delivery of Ireland’s Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve," said Bobby Gleeson, Chief Operating Officer of Gas Networks Ireland.
"Our teams have been working on detailed assessments of each of the possible locations, and following a rigorous process, they have identified Cahiracon in Co. Clare as best suited to meet the project requirements," said Mr Gleeson.
Gas Networks Ireland said its representatives will immediately begin engaging with members of the local community to inform them further about the project and to explain the next steps.
Ireland needs a temporary strategic gas emergency reserve because it currently imports 80% of its natural gas via two interconnectors from Britain.
Any interruption to that supply would have a severe impact on electricity and heating to homes and businesses.
