Councillor speaks at Dáil rally opposing Government’s Fracked Gas import plans

Last Friday, Leitrim Independent Councillor Eddie Mitchell addressed a crowd outside the Dáil at a rally organized by Fridays for Future, where he strongly condemned the government's plans to establish a fracked gas import terminal in Ireland. The rally, which brought together environmental activists and concerned citizens, was held to protest the government's recent decision to build a Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve as part of the "Energy Security in Ireland to 2030" package, published in November 2023.

Speaking to the demonstrators, Mitchell voiced his deep concern and disappointment over the plan, warning that the creation of such a terminal would pave the way for fracked gas imports into Ireland, a move that contradicts the government's earlier stance. He highlighted that the May 2021 Policy Statement on the Importation of Fracked Gas had opposed such developments and urged the government to remain committed to its original position.

"We are deeply disappointed with the government’s reversal on this issue," Mitchell said. "This plan threatens to undermine everything we've been working towards in the fight against environmental destruction and climate change."

Mitchell also called on the Council to formally write to Minister for Environment, Climate, and Communications, Eamon Ryan, demanding a reversal of the new policy. He urged the government to align its actions with its promises in the Programme for Government, which emphasized a sustainable and fossil-free future. His appeal is part of an ongoing effort to ensure Ireland bans Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminals outright, without exceptions or conditions.

Addressing the crowd, Mitchell stressed that building a gas terminal reliant on fracked gas would not only pose environmental risks but also betray Ireland’s commitment to green energy and climate action. He noted that the rally was a testament to the growing public sentiment against fracking and the necessity for Ireland to invest in renewable energy solutions rather than fossil fuel-based infrastructure.

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The Leitrim councillor, who has long been involved in anti-fracking campaigns, warned that such projects could open the door to fracking in Ireland and risk irreversible damage to the environment. His speech at the rally echoed the concerns of many in Leitrim and beyond, where communities have been actively resisting any potential fracking-related developments for years.

Mitchell’s call to action at the Fridays for Future rally now adds additional pressure on the government to reconsider its energy strategy, as environmental activists across the country demand more sustainable alternatives to fracked gas imports.