The former Green Party leader has strongly criticised the Government’s plan to develop a state-owned floating LNG terminal.

Writing in the Irish Times, Eamon Ryan described the move as “ill-advised, expensive and environmentally harmful.”

Last week it was announced that Shannon LNG Ltd has reactivated its plans to develop an energy site to An Bord Pleanála.

While the Government estimates the terminal will cost about 300 million euro, Ryan has cautioned the real figure is likely to be far higher.

Manorhamilton Independent Cllr Eddie Mitchell says there will be serious consequences for the county if current plans go ahead.