Gas Networks Ireland has said that it expects to be in a position to seek planning permission later this year for the country's first Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve (SGER) in the Shannon Estuary.
The deep-water liquified natural gas jetty, to accommodate large ships and onshore regasification, would be located in Cahiracon near Kildysart in Co Clare.
The company is holding a number of public consultation events on the project in the area this week.
The State-led initative aims to provide a temporary natural gas facility that can be used in the event of a disruption to supply.
Last March, the Government approved the delivery of the SGER which it said is critical for Ireland’s energy security while it continues to transition to renewable energy.
It would be delivered through a floating storage and regasification unit, owned and operated on behalf of the State by Gas Networks Ireland.
Geophysical and geotechnical site investigations have begun to inform the planning and design process.
Speaking at the public consultation event in Kildysart, SGER Programme Director Padraic O’Connell said that up to 400 people would be employed during the construction phase and 40 to 50 people when it is in operation.
"We hope to submit a planning application later this year. If that gets approval, we would be expecting to beginning construction in 2028 and to have the facility commissioned and going live by 2030", Mr O’Connell said.
However, concerns have been raised locally regarding the possible impact of the project.
Members of the Kildysart Community Engagement Forum, established following the announcement of the plan, held an hour-long meeting with representatives of Gas Networks Ireland.
Michael Murrihy, from the group, said there are concerns regarding safety and any possible impacts on the environment.
"This is the first of its kind in Ireland and of course people here have concerns. We have concerns regarding development restrictions, public safety and noise and light pollution.
"We had a constructive meeting with the company but I suppose we won’t really know until the planning application is finally made", Mr Murrihy said.
The event was also attended by representatives from environmental group Futureproof Clare.
Spokesperson Sinéad Sheehan said the proposed project goes against commitments to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
"Although Ireland banned the ecologically destructive practice of fracking in 2017, the proposed LNG (liquified natural gas) terminal in Cahiracon, could import fracked gas from the US to Ireland.
"This project will lock us in to fossil fuel dependence at a time when we should be moving away from fossil fuels.
"We also have concerns regarding the possible impact on the environment and on the Shannon Estuary which is already heavily industrialised.
"It is our intention to object to this proposal when it goes to planning," Ms Sheehan said.
