A Euro 500m gas storage plant has been approved by the Irish Planning Board. An Bord Pleanala approved construction of the facility in the Shannon Estuary, between Ballylongford and Tarbert in County Kerry. It is believed that the plant will be capable of supplying around 60% of the country's gas needs and will feature five large storage tanks. The tanks will also be used to store strategic reserves of gas, which could be used in the event of a world energy crisis.