Members of a Strategic Policy Committee in Mayo County Council have been asked to do the research and appraise themselves fully of the potential consequences of supporting a proposed expansion of gas exploration in North Mayo, before making any final decision on the matter.
At the Economic Development, Enterprise Support, Planning and Marine Strategy Policy Committee meeting held in Ballina Library on Wednesday, Jerry Mac Evilly and Maura Harrington, representing a deputation from Friends of the Earth, outlined a litany of reasons as to why gas expansion and fossil fuel use in Mayo should not be recommended, citing numerous facts and statistics counteracting claims made around a proposed expansion of oil exploration by Europa Oil & Gas - which made a presentation on its proposed plan to develop its Inishkea gas prospect near the Corrib field off the cost of Co Mayo - at a previous meeting of the SPC.
The Friends of the Earth deputation called on the SPC to reject the refinery expansion proposal by Europa O&G, which it said 'has not addressed how ongoing gas use and associated emissions is compatible with the state’s legal targets' and added: "Our question is whether Mayo County Council is taking steps to support its legal obligations on national climate commitments or is it supporting the expansion of fossil fuels and a continued use of gas in coming decades. Continued development and expansion of gas assets is incompatible with climate obligations."
A number of additional points were raised by the deputation - including, that the proposed expansion of the refinery was different from permission granted for Corrb Gas Field and would entail new licences; while clarity was sought around any planning in place for de-commisioning and identification of stranded assets; how the developers planned to hook up with the Corrib gas field as stated; where they were going to get money to pay for the massive investment needed for a new oil well; and clarity around claims made on emissions over the long-term and what the future plans are; and clarity on the SPC's next steps regarding the proposal.
Following a lengthy presentation and discussion between members and the deputation, Maura Harrington referred to points made in the project proposal document on a page-by-page basis, summarising: "It is neither a reliable or credible development; they cannot live up to the claims on production made as there is no major oil company buy-in and they cannot do it themselves; the project named Inishkea – should that attempt be made to connect it to Corrib - it would definitely be challenged; the maps on pages 11 and 12 are unsupported; page 13 outlines detailed community benefits, which they can't prove; on p14 they do give two scholarships to 3rd level students - but I haven't heard anything about 140 young people in Erris being supported to continue third level studies; I say that is unsubstantiated; and how did they arrive at figures for gas volumes, when the gas is still in the ground? And the p20 claim they could provide for gas needs over years – I remember that claim with Corrib before, it provided for gas as long as a wet week and then it was back to outside sources. The claims are simply not credible. At a time of climate chaos Europa’s project can't be seen as part of the solution, as it is part of the problem. As a native of Erris, it was enough to have to accept the Bellanaboy development for the life-time of 15-20 years. It is unconscionable that anyone should think it is a good idea that this imposition on an area like Erris is of the 21st Century, and that once Bellanaboy gas refinery is decomissioned, that it would continue. Our Mayo Dark Sky project – it is painful for me personally to note that that the dark sky finishes at Bangor and it can't go any further because that bit there is the greatest source of light pollution in Mayo - and Erris rightly deserves the quality of life, of sky, clean air, earth and water to continue there, as it has for the past seven millenia."
She called on SPC members to do the research and fully assess and analyse all details and potential consequences of the project, before making any decision on it - stating they had a duty to do so, in their roles within the council and representing the electorate, and on behalf of the environment and people of Mayo.
Some time after the deputation left the meeting, under AOB (Any Other Business ), it was confirmed that the SPC has already recommended to government that the Europa Inishkea project proceed, with John Magee, SPC member and MCC Head of Enterprise stating: "Following the presentation by Europa (Brian O’Cathain ) at the last meeting, it was resolved to write to the Taoiseach outlining the council's support for an extension to the licence." He added: "So it is back to members to decide what to do having heard today's presentation."
Cllr Jarlath Munnelly stated: "I made the proposal the last day and would stand by it. In my opinion, I propose we contact the government about basically getting that deal licensed and onstream."
This was supported and agreed to by members.
