Hollywood actor Mark Ruffalo is among those calling on Minister for Energy, Eamon Ryan, to consider the risks of LNG when assessing Ireland's energy security.
The Avengers star has signed his name to an open letter along with health professionals, environmental NGOs and victims of fracking calling on the minister to instruct his department to include a risk assessment on LNG as part of the Energy Security Review.
Speaking to Buzz, actor and environmental advocate Mark Ruffalo said he signed the letter to "add my voice" to those who are deeply concerned about the risks posed by LNG.
READ MORE: LNG terminal on Shannon not included in Ireland's energy security proposals
He said: "I was disappointed to hear that Eamon Ryan, as the Minister overseeing the department conducting Ireland’s Energy Security Review, is now considering LNG under the false premise that it is safer than an attack on a pipeline.
"As the expert reports in the letter show, LNG terminals pose greater security risks and are far more dangerous to attacks than pipelines.
"For these reasons, a risk assessment should be done as part of the Energy Security Review as organizations are calling for, if LNG is seriously being considered now."
LNG is fossil fuel gas, created from fracking, that's been cooled to liquid form so it can be transported in ships or lorries.
Environmental NGOs that have signed the letter include Friends of the Earth, Extinction Rebellion and Comhlámh.
Ryan was given the letter on Friday, before his speech at Mary Robinson's Climate Conference where he was heckled by climate activists.
The director of Frack Action, Julia Walsh said: "As an organization that works in both the US and Ireland, we see the dangers and damage that fracking and LNG infrastructure pose for our climate and the safety risks to communities."
She said she would like to see Ryan prohibit the use of fracked gas coming into the courting via LNG import terminals "but as long as his Department is including LNG in the Energy Security Review, he must instruct the Department to include a full risk assessment of LNG as part of the review."
The only corporation seeking approval for an LNG import terminal in Ireland is called New Fortress Energy.
It has warned its investors that there are "significant risks" in the operation of its works.
These include: "accidents, fires, explosions or other events or catastrophes… pollution, release of or exposure to toxic substances, or environmental contamination affecting operation."
