The final section of the Corrib gas pipeline has been granted permission by An Bord Pleanála. The revised route submitted by Shell E&P Ireland last year will link the pipeline at Glengad to the gas terminal at Bellanaboy.
Terry Nolan, SEPIL MD welcomed the news. “We believe this decision is good for Mayo and Ireland,” he said. However the project has faced staunch opposition by campaigners over the years.
In its detailed determination issued on Thursday An Bord Pleanála stated that the development “would help safeguard the energy security of the State, would benefit the western region of Ireland, would not seriously injure the amenities of the area ... would not be prejudicial to public health or to public safety [and] would not be likely to have significant effects on the environment”.
Mr Nolan added: “We hope that An Bord Pleanála’s thorough examination of our application and subsequent endorsement of it will allow people to feel their concerns have been fully addressed. We are committed to working positively with the local community throughout the construction period and thereafter.”
With five wells at the Corrib field and the offshore pipeline already in place, and the terminal at Bellanaboy also close to completion, Mr Nolan said the company was looking forward to completing the final phase.
At peak production, Corrib gas will supply up to 60 per cent of Ireland’s natural gas needs.
