The Irish government has launched an initiative aimed at resolving the contentious Corrib gas issue.

Headed up by Energy Minister Eamon Ryan and Rural Affairs Minister Éamon Ó Cuív, the taskforce will look at the suspension of plans to lay the off shore pipeline.

Work on building a multi-million euro gas refinery site at Bellanaboy in north Mayo is still ongoing, but has been marred by objections from locals – expressing fears over health.

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Opposition to the Corrib scheme has continued for several years, with nearby residents protesting against the logistics of the refinery and the route of the onshore pipeline.

Bids to broker a deal between Shell Ireland and opponents have so far failed. Minister Ryan and Ó Cuív are now set to pick up the mantel, and bring all sides together for further talks, aimed at breaking the stalemate.

The ministers reportedly plan to take a more hands on approach in finding an agreement that would see gas from the Corrib field being brought ashore.

It now estimated that the field, 80km off the Mayo coast, has deposits worth over €9bn.

Shell has insisted it has no intentions to relocated the €300m refinery which is being constructed at Bellanaboy.

(PR)