Shell Ireland has announced a modified route for the controversial Corrib gas pipeline.

The route, proposed by RPS consultants is twice as far away from occupied housing compared to the originally approved route.

It has been identified following a 14-month route selection process including 11 months of public consultation.

The Corrib Gas project will provide up to 60% of Ireland's gas needs at peak supply, and will add €3 billion to Ireland's GDP over the life of the project.

Construction of the Corrib gas processing terminal, at Bellanaboy, Co. Mayo is well underway with over 650 people employed on what is now the biggest construction site in Ireland.

The percentage of local employment on the construction site at Bellanaboy has been increased significantly. Over 55% of those currently working on the site are from Co. Mayo.

-- Advertisement --

Next month the Corrib partners will resume further drilling and subsea work at the Corrib gas field, 83km off the coast of County Mayo, using the Sedco 711 drilling rig.

The Corrib partners plan to complete the work on the Corrib subsea wells during 2008, by which point five gas wells will be ready for production at a later date. Further offshore engineering activity will be required in 2009 to complete the installation of the offshore facilities.

The recommendations contained in Mr Peter Cassells' mediation report informed the selection of the proposed new pipeline route and there is now a firm focus on delivering benefits to the local community.

A significant community investment programme has been established contributing over €500,000 to local initiatives in 2007 and an Advisory Board was appointed in December 2007 to help set up a long-term community development fund over the life of the project.

SEPIL will shortly submit applications to An Bord Pleanála, the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food for consent to construct the onshore pipeline. A period of statutory public consultation will follow the submission of these applications during which all interested parties can make submission to the statutory authorities.

(VB/JM)