Accuse me of being bought or brainwashed, but having spent a couple of days in Holland viewing onshore gas pipelines, gas refineries and meeting with experts who are employed by NAM, a leading Dutch gas company, I can’t help but feel reassured about the Corrib Gas Project.
Facts speak for themselves and some facts and comparisons given to the Mayo media group who travelled to northern Holland were reassuring about the safety of the Mayo project which has caused so much controversy.
There have been rights and wrongs on both sides of this terrible controversy and while Shell’s initial contact with the people of north Mayo left a lot to be desired, it seems that the right steps are being taken to put right the wrongs of the past.
I have received much criticism for accepting Shell and RPS’s offer to see how successful the gas industry is in Holland and how beneficial it can be for local landowners, who actually welcome NAM given the financial rewards they receive, but I won’t apologise for going on a fact-finding mission. It is difficult to report on such an emotive story, week in and week out, when you actually know very little about the hard facts of the operation.
Now, I don’t deny that emotions are running high and tensions have escalated to the point that people have landed in jail, but with the announcement of the Corrib Community Forum last week it’s time now to engage in constructive dialogue.
Yes, Shell has an abysmal reputation worldwide. Yes, their communications operation wasn’t as slick as it could have been when they first arrived in north Mayo. If you look at the Dutch system, where landowners liaise with one NAM representative throughout the whole process, which gives the farmers a sense of trust in those people who are using their lands for financial gain, you see where Shell can make serious improvements. Obviously the farmers are financially rewarded themselves and NAM is a household name in Holland, with years of experience.
Just to explain, NAM are the leading Dutch gas company, owned jointly by Shell and Exxon Mobil, and they have an excellent reputation in Holland where they provide much employment, safely deliver the country’s gas supply, and engage in worthwhile environmental projects.
Some interesting comparisons show that in Holland it’s not unusual to find a house only five metres from a gas line which is more often than not carrying sour gas, a less safe form of gas than the sweet version in Mayo. In Mayo Shell currently have permission for house distances of 70 metres but in the modified pipeline application which is currently with An Bord Pleanála the minimum distance is 140m.
Corrib will be the single gas source in Ireland and will provide 60 per cent of the nation’s needs.
The design pressure of Corrib gas is 144 bar but operating pressure won’t surpass 90-110 bar and the pipeline must be more than 1.2m underground as set out in legislation.
When you compare the pipeline thickness of 27.1mm in Mayo to the 5mm to 15mm used in Holland you see how over-regulated the project in north Mayo is, which is excellent news for those living in the area. Any pipeline over 15mm is impenetrable.
NAM have paid €170 billion in taxes in 70 years. In return, the Dutch government spent a lot of money in the development of infrastructure during the early stages of gas exploration. This is where the Irish Government lost out when they gave away their rights to Shell. But now is the time to look forward. The project is progressing. The terminal is under construction. The local area is benefiting and will continue to benefit from investment. It’s time to talk.
Toni Bourke [email protected]
Editor
