Talks to tackle Corrib concerns

Published 08.12.2008 13:41:19 by John Bradbury

Talks aimed at settling dispute over the onshore elements of Ireland’s Corrib gas project have been kicked off although a group opposed to the development boycotted the initial meeting.

According to the Irish Times a number of groups opposed to the onshore gas terminal and related pipeline which will service the Corrib project stayed away from the first meeting of the Community Forum For Development in North West Mayo, held in Belmullet, although state agencies and other community groups did attend, the newspaper reported, along with Irish Energy Minister Eamon Ryan and Eamon O Cuiv, Ireland’s Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.

Also present was Terry Nolan, managing director of Shell E&P Ireland, (SEPIL) the operator of the Corrib gas project, in which StatoilHydro and Marathon are also partners.

According to the newspaper, Nolan told the newspaper that Shell was willing to work with local groups to ensure other opportunities flow from the project, and indicated safety and environmental concerns for the project will be his priorities.

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“As a major company, with more than 900 people employed at Bellanaboy - the biggest building site in Ireland - SEPIL welcomes the opportunity to work with all groups and individuals to enhance the long-term social and economic development of Erris and Co. Mayo,” Shell said as the talks commenced. “The Corrib Gas Partners have always been committed to sitting around the table with any individuals or groups to discuss issues of concern relating to the project.”

But some at the meeting expressed dissatisfaction with the terms of reference for the forum which prevents further discussion over constructing a gas terminal at Bellanboy, to serve the Corrib project.

Announcing the Forum earlier Minister Ryan had expressed hope that the forum could address community concerns about the project, which has met stiff local opposition, violent protest and a hunger strike.

“The Corrib Gas project has been a protracted and sometimes painful process for many of the people involved. The Government has a duty to protect the rights of all its citizens. This includes local communities and the developer who is working under statutory consents granted,” Ryan had stated.

Within the terms of reference for the forum related specifically to the Corrib project are discussions related to compliance with permits and licences, safety and technology, plus environmental management, policing issues and “securing the advantages of gas for the local economy.”

The forum is being chaired by barrister Joe Brosnan, a former Secretary General within Ireland’s Department of Justice who has since retired but who remains vice chairman of the Institute of European Affairs in Dublin.

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