The Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources has given final approval to Shell to operate the Corrib gas pipeline and terminal in Co Mayo. This was confirmed by Alex White this evening, subject to 20 conditions relating to environmental management, operation, control and monitoring. It is expected the first gas could be brought ashore as soon as tomorrow.
Shell applied for ministerial consent to operate the pipeline and the onshore terminal last August. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) granted a revised industrial emissions licence for the facility in October, meaning that consent from the Department was the last step.
Many locals were opposed to the pipeline and the effects such developments may have on the landscape. Protests in 2005 saw five local men jailed for breaching a court injunction not to interfere with the construction of the gas pipeline. The ‘Rossport Five’ were released after serving 94 days in prison.
Shell said that when the pipeline is operating at full capacity it would provide more than half of the country’s gas requirements.