The Commission, on15th April 2010, published a decision it has taken to grant  Shannon LNG an exemption from regulated third party access as allowed for under EU Directive 2003/55/EC. The exemption would apply to the full capacity of the LNG terminal (up to 28.3mscmd) and for a period of no longer than 25 years for each of the two planned phases. The exemption would also be subject to certain conditions, which are set out in the decision.

The next step is for the Commission to notify the decision to the European Commission who, under Article 22 of the 2003 Directive, may request that the decision be amended or withdrawn. This two month period may be extended to three months where the European Commission requires additional information.

The Commission has also published the cover notification letter to the European Commission, as well as submissions received from interested parties as part of the earlier consultation exercise carried out by the Commission on the original exemption application from Shannon LNG.

To view these documents, click here.

However, Safety Before LNG' said it will appeal directly to the European Commission the CER decision to grant Shannon LNG a 25 year exemption from regulated third party access for the entire capacity of the proposed LNG terminal.