Please consider contacting your political representatives to help build pressure to Stop Shannon LNG. You can use the letter template available below (or as a pdf here) and you can find out who your political representatives are here
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Dear [Insert TD’s Name / Minister Darragh O’Brien],
An Bord Pleanála has called on the government to clarify its policy stance on Liquefied
Natural Gas (LNG) before a final decision is made on the planning application relating to
the Shannon LNG import terminal near Ballylongford, Co. Kerry. I am writing to express
my strong and urgent opposition to the planned construction of this fracked gas import
terminal.
This terminal, proposed by multi-billion-dollar US company, New Fortress Energy, is not
just of environmental concern — it is a threat to public health, to climate stability, to
international human rights, and to Ireland’s global reputation. This is not only a matter
that affects the local community in Ballylongford. It will be a defining decision in
Ireland’s legacy with regard to climate mitigation. We have a commitment to ensure a
habitable earth for future generations and to strive towards net zero to avoid
unimaginable human and planetary suffering.
Endorsing an LNG terminal would lock us into a fossil fuelled future and make this
virtually impossible. Ireland is already failing miserably in our efforts to reach our 2030
targets. According to the EPA, “Ireland is projected to achieve a reduction of up to 23 per
cent in total greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, compared to a national target of 51 per
cent.” This is a step backwards from the 29 percent reduction that was projected in
2023, making a fine of up to 26 billion euros increasingly likely.
Since methane has 84 times the warming potential of Co2 over a 20-year period,
emissions from the full LNG supply chain are 33% worse than emissions from burning
coal. Importing LNG from the US would send a clear sign to the world that Ireland
couldn’t care less about climate change mitigation.
Furthermore, LNG poses huge public health risks. The associated infrastructure is
extremely dangerous for local communities. Jet fires, flash fires and explosions are
possible consequences of handling liquified gas. There have been many cases of death
and injuries associated with LNG plants and terminals. Even Paul Griffiths, chief
executive of Predator Oil & Gas, publicly said he would never live near an LNG terminal
for fear it would blow up.
Communities in the US have been devastated by the health and environmental impacts
of fracking. Fracking and its associated infrastructure have been responsible for causing
cancer and other illnesses. Exposure to radioactive materials, adverse pregnancy
outcomes, cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses, end stage renal disease and
diabetes are merely some of the health problems associated with LNG terminals and
power plants. New Fortress Energy have been granted planning permission for a gas-
powered power plant, which would inevitably use LNG. This granting of permission is
currently being challenged in court “based on EU law, climate science, and Ireland’s
breaching of its Sectoral Emissions obligations”.
Furthermore, New Fortress have investments in H2Pro, an Israeli energy company
associated with scientists from Technion. Technion is an Israeli Institute of Technology
at the forefront of the research and development wing of the Israeli Defence Forces.
Such a relationship shows that New Fortress is a company that will always put profit
before human rights.
The Irish Government now have a decision to make. To endorse an LNG terminal, to
import fracked gas from the USA, would disregard Ireland’s ethics, climate obligations,
and solidarity with vulnerable communities worldwide. We ask you to duly fulfil your
mandate. Do not walk away from climate mitigation in Ireland. Oppose the terminal to
stay on the right side of climate and energy justice.
My Demands
As your constituent, I call on you to:
- Publicly oppose the Shannon LNG terminal and demand its cancellation.
- Reject any state or private partnership that would enable the import of fracked
gas. We oppose any LNG terminal, “State-led” or otherwise. - Support immediate legislation banning the importation of fracked gas into
Ireland. - Uphold Ireland’s climate commitments and ethical responsibilities to public
health and human rights.
Stand With Communities. Stand With Justice.
Say No to Shannon LNG.
Beir bua agus beannachtaí.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Address / Constituency]
[Optional: Email / Phone]
Sources
https://www.epa.ie/news-releases/news-releases-2025/epa-projections-show-ireland-
off-track-for-2030-climate-targets.php
https://www.research.howarthlab.org/publications/Howarth_LNG_assessment_preprin
t_archived_2023-1103.pdf
https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/gas-company-boss-admits-he-would-not-live-
beside-lng-facility-in-case-it-blew-up/a297189432.html
https://www.friendsoftheirishenvironment.org/court-cases/climate-court-
cases/shannon-lng-power-plant-judicial-review
https://www.newfortressenergy.com/zero/new-fortress-energy-invests-green-
hydrogen-production-technology-company-h2pro
https://www.h2pro.co/