A STAND-OFF was continuing last night at the north Mayo landfall for the Corrib gas pipeline following Shell EP Ireland’s decision to resume work in the locality.
Rossport resident Willie Corduff lodged himself under a truck delivering security fencing to Glengad beach, and refused requests by gardaí and Shell security to leave.
Mr Corduff and fellow residents said they were questioning the company’s authority to carry out preparatory works for the offshore pipeline at Glengad without planning permission from Mayo County Council.
Terence Conway of Mayo Shell to Sea said that Mr Corduff had been injured and was in some distress.
Mr Corduff, who was jailed with four men for 94 days in 2005 over opposition to the pipeline, told The Irish Times he intended to stay where he was until he had evidence that Shell had authorisation for their work.
He said he was “very cold and sore”, and claimed he had been “badly abused” by local gardaí, who had used stones and verbal threats to try and remove him from under the truck. “It is very sad that our local guards should resort to this,” he said. “We are just asking for a bit of justice.”
However, gardaí denied residents’ claims that stones had been thrown by a member of the force at Mr Corduff in an attempt to remove him.
Chief Supt Tony McNamara, head of the Mayo division, said he would “refute such allegations”, and said the safety of all concerned was paramount.
He said he was satisfied that the preparatory work at Glengad was exempt from the provisions of the Planning and Development Act, 2000, following information received from Mayo County Council.
The Department of the Environment said that it was satisfied with the plans to erect fencing at the beach and netting to prevent sand martins nesting on the Glengad – which is a special area of conservation.
However, Labour Party president Michael D Higgins said the netting was in breach of the EU birds directive. He said Minister for the Environment John Gormley had “no interest” in maintaining the independence and integrity of heritage, and specifically the National Parks and Wildlife Service, to ensure the environment was protected.
The stand-off began at about midday yesterday, six hours after Shell contractors and security returned to Glengad.
Shell EP Ireland did not respond to requests by The Irish Times to comment on the situation yesterday.
The company had indicated that it would resume work on laying the offshore pipeline following approval of an environmental management plan on April 9th by Minister for Energy Eamon Ryan – several days after direct mediation talks involving Shell, two Government Ministers and two community groups collapsed.
However, actual notice of the return to work at Glengad was only given to the department late on Tuesday night, and a letter was delivered to local residents, also on Tuesday.
Residents, including Colm Henry whose house overlooks the beach, said they were woken at 6.30am by heavy machinery.
At about 8.45am, Mr Corduff and another resident attempted to stop one of the trucks transporting security fencing via an access route to the beach.
The two men then crawled under the truck.
One of the two men was removed by gardaí, but Mr Corduff lodged himself in and refused to leave.
Last year Shell abandoned attempts to lay the offshore pipeline from Broadhaven Bay out to sea following reported “technical difficulties”, weather factors and an uncertain legal situation involving fishing rights.
Protests had been held at Glengad throughout the summer.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Showing posts with label Shell to Sea. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Shell to Sea. Show all posts
Thursday, 23 April 2009
Wednesday, 19 November 2008
State and Shell ask court to halt action
THE STATE and Shell E and P Ireland Ltd have asked the High Court to halt an action by local residents alleging that ministerial consents given six years ago for the Corrib gas pipeline breached European law and the principles of natural and constitutional justice.
In the latest stage of a long-running action relating to the pipeline, the State and Shell want the court to strike out proceedings in which four residents are seeking High Court declarations that Shell has no interest in lands acquired under compulsory acquisition orders (CAOs) issued in 2002 by the then minister.
The residents also want declarations that the minister had acted in breach of the principles of natural and constitutional justice, and in breach of European law, by giving consent for those CAOs.
The Minister and Shell, in a preliminary application which opened yesterday before Ms Justice Mary Laffoy, want the court to dismiss the residents’ case as it was brought outside the time limits for such cases.
The proceedings first arose in 2005 when Shell successfully obtained contempt of court orders against five men, known as the Rossport Five. The men spent 94 days in prison after refusing to abide by an order not to interfere with the pipeline work.
Shell later discontinued its proceedings saying it would seek an alternative route, but residents, including members of the Rossport Five, want to proceed with a counter-claim alleging the minister’s CAOs approving the pipeline route were not valid.
In their claim, the residents – Philip McGrath, James Philbin, Willie Corduff and Bríd McGarry argue that the CAOs were acquired under the wrong statutory provisions. They also claim that both Shell and the State are attempting to prevent issues from being determined by the High Court in an effort to “protect illegal acts” from judicial scrutiny.
They say any consent by the minister under the Gas Act 1976 to allow access to the land was based on a number of “fundamental” conditions, including that the route of the pipe was to be fixed so as to ensure a minimum distance of 70 metres between it and inhabited dwellings. They claim the route goes within 70 metres of such houses.
The residents also claim Shell failed to comply with a condition of ministerial approval that a full assessment of the effect of leaks or a rupture should first be carried out. An environmental management plan should also have been drawn up and approved by the minister before consent was given, but this was not complied with, it is claimed.
Issues relating to the impact of noise on properties within 100 metres of the pipe were also not complied with, they claim.
The residents also claim they were not put on notice of the application by Shell to seek ministerial consent so they could make representations about the danger of the pipeline.
The State has denied the claims. The hearing continues today.
The Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
In the latest stage of a long-running action relating to the pipeline, the State and Shell want the court to strike out proceedings in which four residents are seeking High Court declarations that Shell has no interest in lands acquired under compulsory acquisition orders (CAOs) issued in 2002 by the then minister.
The residents also want declarations that the minister had acted in breach of the principles of natural and constitutional justice, and in breach of European law, by giving consent for those CAOs.
The Minister and Shell, in a preliminary application which opened yesterday before Ms Justice Mary Laffoy, want the court to dismiss the residents’ case as it was brought outside the time limits for such cases.
The proceedings first arose in 2005 when Shell successfully obtained contempt of court orders against five men, known as the Rossport Five. The men spent 94 days in prison after refusing to abide by an order not to interfere with the pipeline work.
Shell later discontinued its proceedings saying it would seek an alternative route, but residents, including members of the Rossport Five, want to proceed with a counter-claim alleging the minister’s CAOs approving the pipeline route were not valid.
In their claim, the residents – Philip McGrath, James Philbin, Willie Corduff and Bríd McGarry argue that the CAOs were acquired under the wrong statutory provisions. They also claim that both Shell and the State are attempting to prevent issues from being determined by the High Court in an effort to “protect illegal acts” from judicial scrutiny.
They say any consent by the minister under the Gas Act 1976 to allow access to the land was based on a number of “fundamental” conditions, including that the route of the pipe was to be fixed so as to ensure a minimum distance of 70 metres between it and inhabited dwellings. They claim the route goes within 70 metres of such houses.
The residents also claim Shell failed to comply with a condition of ministerial approval that a full assessment of the effect of leaks or a rupture should first be carried out. An environmental management plan should also have been drawn up and approved by the minister before consent was given, but this was not complied with, it is claimed.
Issues relating to the impact of noise on properties within 100 metres of the pipe were also not complied with, they claim.
The residents also claim they were not put on notice of the application by Shell to seek ministerial consent so they could make representations about the danger of the pipeline.
The State has denied the claims. The hearing continues today.
The Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Tuesday, 16 September 2008
Shell accused of 'project splitting'
ANTI-SHELL protesters yesterday accused the company of "development by stealth" and "project splitting" as they reacted to further changes to the controversial site in Mayo.
The allegations have been rejected by the company.
Shell E&P Ltd has lodged a planning application in today's newspapers seeking permission to alter the gas terminal, particularly by adding a far larger emergency holding tank than was previously proposed.
The application also seeks permission for building an electricity switchroom and electricity transformer, protected by a two-metre high chain-link fence.
The contents of the planning application raised serious concerns according to John Monaghan, a former Shell to Sea spokesman who now represents the community group Pobail Kilcummin.
"This is one of a series of amendments to the project before it has even been completed. We have major concerns that this is development by stealth and project splitting," he said.
"It raises the question if this had all been part of the original application, would it have been more difficult to obtain," Mr Monaghan said.
Rejected
Pobail Kilcummin have already lodged a complaint with the European Parliament about project splitting in relation to the Corrib Gas project.
But last night a spokesman for the company rejected the protesters' accusations, saying the changes to the project were being imposed by the Environmental Protection Agency in connection with the Integrated Pollution Prevention Control (IPPC) licence which the company is bound to have.
The IPPC licence was granted in late November on the basis that Shell fulfilled 90 conditions. Among those conditions was a requirement to vastly increase the size of the emergency holding tank to provide for fire or spillage into storm water.
In relation to the "project splitting" charge, the spokesman said the European Parliament had found that Shell had not been guilty of this and had acted within any relevant provisors and conditions.
Grainne Cunningham
Irish Independent
www.buckplanning.ie
The allegations have been rejected by the company.
Shell E&P Ltd has lodged a planning application in today's newspapers seeking permission to alter the gas terminal, particularly by adding a far larger emergency holding tank than was previously proposed.
The application also seeks permission for building an electricity switchroom and electricity transformer, protected by a two-metre high chain-link fence.
The contents of the planning application raised serious concerns according to John Monaghan, a former Shell to Sea spokesman who now represents the community group Pobail Kilcummin.
"This is one of a series of amendments to the project before it has even been completed. We have major concerns that this is development by stealth and project splitting," he said.
"It raises the question if this had all been part of the original application, would it have been more difficult to obtain," Mr Monaghan said.
Rejected
Pobail Kilcummin have already lodged a complaint with the European Parliament about project splitting in relation to the Corrib Gas project.
But last night a spokesman for the company rejected the protesters' accusations, saying the changes to the project were being imposed by the Environmental Protection Agency in connection with the Integrated Pollution Prevention Control (IPPC) licence which the company is bound to have.
The IPPC licence was granted in late November on the basis that Shell fulfilled 90 conditions. Among those conditions was a requirement to vastly increase the size of the emergency holding tank to provide for fire or spillage into storm water.
In relation to the "project splitting" charge, the spokesman said the European Parliament had found that Shell had not been guilty of this and had acted within any relevant provisors and conditions.
Grainne Cunningham
Irish Independent
www.buckplanning.ie
Friday, 8 August 2008
Fishermen vote to accept Shell offer
NORTH MAYO fishermen have voted to drop their demand for Shell EP Ireland to relocate a discharge pipe for the Corrib gas refinery.
Some 30 members of the Erris Inshore Fishermen's Association (EIFA) have been offered compensation for dropping their opposition during the laying of the offshore pipeline this season.
The fishermen have been given less than 48 hours by Shell EP Ireland to accept the offer. The deadline is noon today.
The deal will clear the way for the Solitaire, described as the world's largest deepwater pipelaying ship, to begin work on the offshore section.
This is expected to begin within a week, in advance of An Bord Pleanála's approval for the modified onshore pipeline route.
"This is the best deal we could get after seven years. We were between a rock and a hard place," EIFA chairman Eddie Diver said.
"We were never against the gas project, but against the methods being used, which would harm the marine environment."
A legal agreement drawn up by Shell would be studied by the association's legal advisers, he added.
However, the owner of a shellfish company, Pat O'Donnell, one of a minority group against the deal, has questioned the authority of a private company to put pressure on him to leave publicly owned, licensed fishing grounds.
"I believe the health of the marine environment for future generations is more important than short-term compensation," Mr O'Donnell said.
EIFA members, who have been in negotiation with Shell since late June, have been told that the Corrib gas partners won't discharge "treated produced water" from unrefined gas through the outfall pipe 12km (7 miles) offshore.
Shell says this is a "goodwill gesture".
The outfall pipe will still discharge contaminated water and local drainage from the area at the refinery, the association has been told.
EIFA unsuccessfully opposed an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emissions licence for the discharge pipe, due to fears about the long-term impact.
The association subsequently appealed to four Government departments for assistance but received no response.
It was then invited to negotiate by Shell in late June as the company was anxious to proceed with plans for the offshore project.
EIFA proposed an alternative location for the discharge pipe 19km (12 miles) west of Eagle Island in Co Mayo, but this has now been dropped.
The compensation offered by Shell amounts to €15,000 for registered and licensed vessel owners who do "not normally fish in the prescribed pipeline corridor", and up to €30,000 for owners who can demonstrate that they have fished regularly on the route.
Shell, in its letter to fishermen, said that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and "international experts" had "confirmed that the treated produced water will cause no harm to the marine environment".
The Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Some 30 members of the Erris Inshore Fishermen's Association (EIFA) have been offered compensation for dropping their opposition during the laying of the offshore pipeline this season.
The fishermen have been given less than 48 hours by Shell EP Ireland to accept the offer. The deadline is noon today.
The deal will clear the way for the Solitaire, described as the world's largest deepwater pipelaying ship, to begin work on the offshore section.
This is expected to begin within a week, in advance of An Bord Pleanála's approval for the modified onshore pipeline route.
"This is the best deal we could get after seven years. We were between a rock and a hard place," EIFA chairman Eddie Diver said.
"We were never against the gas project, but against the methods being used, which would harm the marine environment."
A legal agreement drawn up by Shell would be studied by the association's legal advisers, he added.
However, the owner of a shellfish company, Pat O'Donnell, one of a minority group against the deal, has questioned the authority of a private company to put pressure on him to leave publicly owned, licensed fishing grounds.
"I believe the health of the marine environment for future generations is more important than short-term compensation," Mr O'Donnell said.
EIFA members, who have been in negotiation with Shell since late June, have been told that the Corrib gas partners won't discharge "treated produced water" from unrefined gas through the outfall pipe 12km (7 miles) offshore.
Shell says this is a "goodwill gesture".
The outfall pipe will still discharge contaminated water and local drainage from the area at the refinery, the association has been told.
EIFA unsuccessfully opposed an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emissions licence for the discharge pipe, due to fears about the long-term impact.
The association subsequently appealed to four Government departments for assistance but received no response.
It was then invited to negotiate by Shell in late June as the company was anxious to proceed with plans for the offshore project.
EIFA proposed an alternative location for the discharge pipe 19km (12 miles) west of Eagle Island in Co Mayo, but this has now been dropped.
The compensation offered by Shell amounts to €15,000 for registered and licensed vessel owners who do "not normally fish in the prescribed pipeline corridor", and up to €30,000 for owners who can demonstrate that they have fished regularly on the route.
Shell, in its letter to fishermen, said that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and "international experts" had "confirmed that the treated produced water will cause no harm to the marine environment".
The Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Wednesday, 30 April 2008
Shell rejects proposal to move gas terminal
The Corrib gas terminal in north Mayo. The bill for Garda deployment there has been running at €800,000 per monthSHELL EP Ireland has rejected a proposal by Erris residents that it should move its gas refinery to a coastal, rather than offshore, location.
"Moving the terminal is not an option," the company said in a short statement. "The issues raised in 2005 were around the perceived safety of the onshore pipeline - not the location of the terminal. We believe we have taken every reasonable step to address genuine safety concerns around the pipeline," it said, adding that it "has at all times been willing to meet and discuss with anyone their concerns about the Corrib project" and "this remains our position".
The rejection came just hours after a call yesterday by Bishop of Killala Dr John Fleming on the Corrib gas partners to "consider carefully" the compromise proposal made by Erris residents in relation to the €900 million project.
Welcoming the proposal made by seven Kilcommon residents - Mary and Willie Corduff, Philip and Vincent McGrath, PJ Moran, Pat O'Donnell and Caitlín Uí Seighin - Dr Fleming described it as "an important and significant attempt to resolve the ongoing difficulties which have surrounded the Corrib gas project in north Mayo".
Fine Gael Mayo TD Michael Ring and Labour Party president Michael D Higgins have already welcomed the move and have urged Shell and Minister for Energy Eamon Ryan to engage and "not let the opportunity slip". Mr Ryan was making no official comment yesterday.
However, Shell EP Ireland submitted an application to Mr Ryan's department yesterday for its modified onshore pipeline. A department spokeswoman said that his statutory role in relation to this may preclude any wider involvement.
Shell EP Ireland is also submitting its application to An Bord Pleanála and is seeking a direction from the board on the modified pipeline's qualification under the Strategic Infrastructure Act.
Dr Fleming said he appreciated the courage of the seven in "dropping their demand that the refinery be located at sea and agreeing that it be sited onshore", and he invited the Corrib gas partners to "consider this proposal carefully".
The alternative refinery site at Glinsk, proposed by the seven, was first identified last year by RPS, acting as a consultancy for the Corrib gas project. "Since then an increasing awareness of the suitability of the site has grown," he said. The priests of the parish had recommended it to Mr Ryan and it had now been given further support. Dr Fleming suggested, therefore, that the Glinsk proposal be examined carefully as a viable alternative, with the potential to bring closure to this issue.
"I accept that substantial investment has already been made in the site at Bellanaboy and I realise that relocation to a new site will increase the overall cost of the project.
"However, I believe that the benefits of relocation will far outweigh the financial considerations involved," the bishop said.
"Importantly, a decision to relocate could significantly allay the fears that have plagued the people of this area in recent years. The process of healing the deep hurt felt within the parish of Kilcommon and the wider community in Erris could also begin.
"Furthermore, it is my hope that this may allow the Corrib gas partners to open a new and more peaceful chapter in their relationship with the local community," Dr Fleming added.
LORNA SIGGINS
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
"Moving the terminal is not an option," the company said in a short statement. "The issues raised in 2005 were around the perceived safety of the onshore pipeline - not the location of the terminal. We believe we have taken every reasonable step to address genuine safety concerns around the pipeline," it said, adding that it "has at all times been willing to meet and discuss with anyone their concerns about the Corrib project" and "this remains our position".
The rejection came just hours after a call yesterday by Bishop of Killala Dr John Fleming on the Corrib gas partners to "consider carefully" the compromise proposal made by Erris residents in relation to the €900 million project.
Welcoming the proposal made by seven Kilcommon residents - Mary and Willie Corduff, Philip and Vincent McGrath, PJ Moran, Pat O'Donnell and Caitlín Uí Seighin - Dr Fleming described it as "an important and significant attempt to resolve the ongoing difficulties which have surrounded the Corrib gas project in north Mayo".
Fine Gael Mayo TD Michael Ring and Labour Party president Michael D Higgins have already welcomed the move and have urged Shell and Minister for Energy Eamon Ryan to engage and "not let the opportunity slip". Mr Ryan was making no official comment yesterday.
However, Shell EP Ireland submitted an application to Mr Ryan's department yesterday for its modified onshore pipeline. A department spokeswoman said that his statutory role in relation to this may preclude any wider involvement.
Shell EP Ireland is also submitting its application to An Bord Pleanála and is seeking a direction from the board on the modified pipeline's qualification under the Strategic Infrastructure Act.
Dr Fleming said he appreciated the courage of the seven in "dropping their demand that the refinery be located at sea and agreeing that it be sited onshore", and he invited the Corrib gas partners to "consider this proposal carefully".
The alternative refinery site at Glinsk, proposed by the seven, was first identified last year by RPS, acting as a consultancy for the Corrib gas project. "Since then an increasing awareness of the suitability of the site has grown," he said. The priests of the parish had recommended it to Mr Ryan and it had now been given further support. Dr Fleming suggested, therefore, that the Glinsk proposal be examined carefully as a viable alternative, with the potential to bring closure to this issue.
"I accept that substantial investment has already been made in the site at Bellanaboy and I realise that relocation to a new site will increase the overall cost of the project.
"However, I believe that the benefits of relocation will far outweigh the financial considerations involved," the bishop said.
"Importantly, a decision to relocate could significantly allay the fears that have plagued the people of this area in recent years. The process of healing the deep hurt felt within the parish of Kilcommon and the wider community in Erris could also begin.
"Furthermore, it is my hope that this may allow the Corrib gas partners to open a new and more peaceful chapter in their relationship with the local community," Dr Fleming added.
LORNA SIGGINS
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Monday, 31 March 2008
Shell denies failing to discuss drilling
SHELL E&P Ireland has denied it failed to consult coastal community interests on planned drilling in a Mayo estuary that is a special area of conservation (SAC).
The company was responding to criticism at the weekend by the Erris Inshore Fishermen's Association, which says it was not consulted about the new work programme in the Sruwaddaccon estuary, including use of Ballyglass pier for the project.
Shell and its Corrib gas partners, Statoil and Marathon, have a foreshore licence from Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries Mary Coughlan to drill boreholes in Sruwaddaccon Bay, which is an SAC.
The estuary is on a shortlist for a modified pipeline route linking the Corrib gas field offshore with the onshore refinery at Bellanaboy. Survey work by consultants RPS for a modified route was carried out in the estuary last year, but this phase involves "invasive" geotechnical work that was approved under ministerial licence, according to the company.
Eddie Diver, chairman of the Erris Inshore Fishermen's Association, says his organisation was not formally contacted by the Corrib gas developers. A Shell E&P Ireland spokesman said he could not confirm whether fishermen's organisations had been contacted by the developers, but the company had invited public response.
The Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
The company was responding to criticism at the weekend by the Erris Inshore Fishermen's Association, which says it was not consulted about the new work programme in the Sruwaddaccon estuary, including use of Ballyglass pier for the project.
Shell and its Corrib gas partners, Statoil and Marathon, have a foreshore licence from Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries Mary Coughlan to drill boreholes in Sruwaddaccon Bay, which is an SAC.
The estuary is on a shortlist for a modified pipeline route linking the Corrib gas field offshore with the onshore refinery at Bellanaboy. Survey work by consultants RPS for a modified route was carried out in the estuary last year, but this phase involves "invasive" geotechnical work that was approved under ministerial licence, according to the company.
Eddie Diver, chairman of the Erris Inshore Fishermen's Association, says his organisation was not formally contacted by the Corrib gas developers. A Shell E&P Ireland spokesman said he could not confirm whether fishermen's organisations had been contacted by the developers, but the company had invited public response.
The Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Monday, 19 November 2007
Gormley tells Shell to repair bog damage
Environment Minister John Gormley yesterday told Shell and its contractors that they must repair damage done to a special conservation area during unauthorised works for the Corrib Gas Pipeline.
Mr Gormley issued a ministerial direction instructing Shell and RPS Consultant Engineers to repair any damage to the protected Glenamoy bog complex at Glengad, Mayo.
Drilling and borehole installation were carried out at the site last month by RPS, who had been hired by Shell E&P Ireland to select a modified route for the Corrib gas pipeline.
"The actions of the Shell contractors in entering a Special Area of Conservation and carrying out works without authorisation are of serious concern to me," he said. "I find it unacceptable that this has occurred... when my department has been making efforts to keep in communication with Shell."
Irish Independent
www.buckplanning.ie
Mr Gormley issued a ministerial direction instructing Shell and RPS Consultant Engineers to repair any damage to the protected Glenamoy bog complex at Glengad, Mayo.
Drilling and borehole installation were carried out at the site last month by RPS, who had been hired by Shell E&P Ireland to select a modified route for the Corrib gas pipeline.
"The actions of the Shell contractors in entering a Special Area of Conservation and carrying out works without authorisation are of serious concern to me," he said. "I find it unacceptable that this has occurred... when my department has been making efforts to keep in communication with Shell."
Irish Independent
www.buckplanning.ie
Friday, 16 November 2007
Shell may retain road built without permission
An Bord Pleanála has permitted Shell E&P Ireland to retain a temporary road which had been built initially without authorisation at the landfall for the Corrib gas pipeline.
The appeals board has said that the temporary road will not have a significant effect on the Glenamoy bog complex special area of conservation (SAC), if certain conditions are complied with.
The board has allowed the Corrib gas developers to retain the temporary development for a five-year period to "facilitate the construction of the Corrib gas pipeline".
Last year, the appeals board instructed Shell E&P to dismantle the construction road at Glengad, landfall for the Corrib gas pipeline, or apply for planning permission. The road had been created out of a previously existing agricultural entrance from the public road to the Corrib gas pipeline wayleave at Glengad.
Mayo County Council had ruled that the works, which had already been carried out, were not subject to planning. This had been referred to An Bord Pleanála by An Taisce and Michael Ó Seighin of Carrowteigue, Co Mayo.
The appeals board noted the proximity of the development to a priority habitat, designated under the European habitats directive, and is a Natura 2000 Special Area of Conservation. An Taisce questioned why the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government had failed to take action, as the body legally responsible for implementing the directive here.
The appeals board has now said that the road may stay, but must be restored to its previous condition within three months of permission expiry in five years.
It also said no weed killer should be used on the surface or verges, and only hand tools or light mechanical methods can be used to maintain verges. Cutting of vegetation must be carried out only under supervision of an ecologist, it said.
The Department of the Environment is still considering a separate case regarding unauthorised works at the Glenamoy bog complex SAC by consultants for Shell E&P last month.
Lorna Siggins
The Irish Times
The appeals board has said that the temporary road will not have a significant effect on the Glenamoy bog complex special area of conservation (SAC), if certain conditions are complied with.
The board has allowed the Corrib gas developers to retain the temporary development for a five-year period to "facilitate the construction of the Corrib gas pipeline".
Last year, the appeals board instructed Shell E&P to dismantle the construction road at Glengad, landfall for the Corrib gas pipeline, or apply for planning permission. The road had been created out of a previously existing agricultural entrance from the public road to the Corrib gas pipeline wayleave at Glengad.
Mayo County Council had ruled that the works, which had already been carried out, were not subject to planning. This had been referred to An Bord Pleanála by An Taisce and Michael Ó Seighin of Carrowteigue, Co Mayo.
The appeals board noted the proximity of the development to a priority habitat, designated under the European habitats directive, and is a Natura 2000 Special Area of Conservation. An Taisce questioned why the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government had failed to take action, as the body legally responsible for implementing the directive here.
The appeals board has now said that the road may stay, but must be restored to its previous condition within three months of permission expiry in five years.
It also said no weed killer should be used on the surface or verges, and only hand tools or light mechanical methods can be used to maintain verges. Cutting of vegetation must be carried out only under supervision of an ecologist, it said.
The Department of the Environment is still considering a separate case regarding unauthorised works at the Glenamoy bog complex SAC by consultants for Shell E&P last month.
Lorna Siggins
The Irish Times
Thursday, 15 November 2007
Objectors aim to bring appeal to European court
PROTESTERS who lobbied against the Shell refinery may bring an appeal against the decision at European level, the wife of a man jailed for opposing the plant said last night.
The Shell to Sea group, claimed yesterday that the decision of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was "flawed".
Mary Corduff, whose husband Willie was jailed two years ago for his opposition to the pipeline, said she was "disappointed but not surprised" by the decision.
She said there is a possibility the ruling will be appealed to Europe where Ireland "does not have the best record as regards environmental protection".
Another campaigner, Imelda Moran from Belmullet, said it was "fundamentally flawed" that the only body the group could appeal to was the EPA itself.
"There should be a judicial review on the decision," Mrs Moran asserted.
Following yesterday's announcement, Brendan Cafferty of the Pro Gas Mayo Group said it was time for everyone involved to accept the outcome.
"The EPA is a reputable, independent organisation that we should all have full confidence in," Mr Cafferty said.
Tom Shiel
Irish Independent
www.buckplanning.ie
The Shell to Sea group, claimed yesterday that the decision of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was "flawed".
Mary Corduff, whose husband Willie was jailed two years ago for his opposition to the pipeline, said she was "disappointed but not surprised" by the decision.
She said there is a possibility the ruling will be appealed to Europe where Ireland "does not have the best record as regards environmental protection".
Another campaigner, Imelda Moran from Belmullet, said it was "fundamentally flawed" that the only body the group could appeal to was the EPA itself.
"There should be a judicial review on the decision," Mrs Moran asserted.
Following yesterday's announcement, Brendan Cafferty of the Pro Gas Mayo Group said it was time for everyone involved to accept the outcome.
"The EPA is a reputable, independent organisation that we should all have full confidence in," Mr Cafferty said.
Tom Shiel
Irish Independent
www.buckplanning.ie
Wednesday, 14 November 2007
Protesters set to bring appeal to European court
PROTESTERS, who lobbied against the Shell refinery, may bring an appeal against the decision at European level, the wife of a man jailed for opposing the plant, said last night.
THE Shell to Sea group, claimed yesterday the decision of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was "flawed".
Mary Corduff, whose husband Willie was jailed two years ago for his opposition to the pipeline, said she was "disappointed but not surprised" by the decision.
She said there is a possibility the ruling will be appealed to Europe where Ireland "does not have the best record as regards environmental protection".
Another campaigner, Imelda Moran from Belmullet, Co Mayo, said it was "fundamentally flawed "that the only body the group could appeal to was the EPA itself.
"There should be a judicial review on the decision," Mrs Moran asserted.
Following yesterday's announcement, Brendan Cafferty of the Pro Gas Mayo Group said it was time for everyone involved to accept the outcome.
"The EPA is a reputable, independent, organisation that we should all have full confidence in," he said.
Tom Shiel
Irish Independent
www.buckplanning.ie
THE Shell to Sea group, claimed yesterday the decision of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was "flawed".
Mary Corduff, whose husband Willie was jailed two years ago for his opposition to the pipeline, said she was "disappointed but not surprised" by the decision.
She said there is a possibility the ruling will be appealed to Europe where Ireland "does not have the best record as regards environmental protection".
Another campaigner, Imelda Moran from Belmullet, Co Mayo, said it was "fundamentally flawed "that the only body the group could appeal to was the EPA itself.
"There should be a judicial review on the decision," Mrs Moran asserted.
Following yesterday's announcement, Brendan Cafferty of the Pro Gas Mayo Group said it was time for everyone involved to accept the outcome.
"The EPA is a reputable, independent, organisation that we should all have full confidence in," he said.
Tom Shiel
Irish Independent
www.buckplanning.ie
Protesters vow to fight on as terminal gets green light
OBJECTORS to the Shell gas terminal in Mayo yesterday vowed to fight a licence granted for the refinery by looking to the courts.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced results of an oral hearing held this year into a licence for the refinery at Ballinaboy, Co Mayo.
It was given the green light after a decision by the environmental watchdog’s board but with 90 conditions set on its design, construction and operations.
Shell was pleased with the licence award and it was “a significant milestone” towards getting the gas off the west coast ashore, it said.
But local Mayo landowners as well as objectors with Shell to Sea dismissed the EPA licence decision as “expected”. Campaigners are now looking at a judicial review to prevent the licence award.
“The (licence) decision was long overdue. We are disappointed but not surprised. We have a number of options, including a judicial review in the High Court to see if the licence complies with the EPA’s acts and that they were fully informed when it was awarded.”
Objectors intend to also examine if the licence is in breach of EU directives governing habitats and water. A European parliamentary petitions committee has already agreed to examine campaigners objections.
Michael O’Seighin, one of five Rossport men previously jailed for protesting over the gas venture, yesterday said protests would continue against at the terminal.
“The community don’t want this,” stressed Mr O’Seighin.
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced results of an oral hearing held this year into a licence for the refinery at Ballinaboy, Co Mayo.
It was given the green light after a decision by the environmental watchdog’s board but with 90 conditions set on its design, construction and operations.
Shell was pleased with the licence award and it was “a significant milestone” towards getting the gas off the west coast ashore, it said.
But local Mayo landowners as well as objectors with Shell to Sea dismissed the EPA licence decision as “expected”. Campaigners are now looking at a judicial review to prevent the licence award.
“The (licence) decision was long overdue. We are disappointed but not surprised. We have a number of options, including a judicial review in the High Court to see if the licence complies with the EPA’s acts and that they were fully informed when it was awarded.”
Objectors intend to also examine if the licence is in breach of EU directives governing habitats and water. A European parliamentary petitions committee has already agreed to examine campaigners objections.
Michael O’Seighin, one of five Rossport men previously jailed for protesting over the gas venture, yesterday said protests would continue against at the terminal.
“The community don’t want this,” stressed Mr O’Seighin.
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
Gas route: Pipeline negotiations
THE focus on the Corrib project is likely to turn to the onshore gas pipeline, which is being considered along three different routes by Shell.
The energy company’s deputy managing director Terry Nolan yesterday deemed the expected EPA decision to award the terminal licence as a “significant milestone” for the delivery of natural gas to the Irish market.
However, negotiations with Mayo landowners on deciding which route will be used to bring the raw gas ashore to the Ballinaboy terminal will be the ultimate stepping stone that bridges the project with national and local needs.
It is estimated that the value of the gas stored 83km off the west coast in wells is worth up to €3 billion for the Irish economy. In the last week, the energy group said two more wells were completed and its drilling season offshore for 2007 was complete.
The EPA licence granted yesterday allows up to 9.9 million cubic metres of gas to be processed daily at the Ballinaboy terminal.
The preferred corridor out of three for Shell’s onshore pipeline is expected to be decided before the end of next month.
Meanwhile, work at the terminal in north Mayo will continue. Up to 450 people are working at the site and there are plans for more than 700 jobs by the middle of next year.
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
The energy company’s deputy managing director Terry Nolan yesterday deemed the expected EPA decision to award the terminal licence as a “significant milestone” for the delivery of natural gas to the Irish market.
However, negotiations with Mayo landowners on deciding which route will be used to bring the raw gas ashore to the Ballinaboy terminal will be the ultimate stepping stone that bridges the project with national and local needs.
It is estimated that the value of the gas stored 83km off the west coast in wells is worth up to €3 billion for the Irish economy. In the last week, the energy group said two more wells were completed and its drilling season offshore for 2007 was complete.
The EPA licence granted yesterday allows up to 9.9 million cubic metres of gas to be processed daily at the Ballinaboy terminal.
The preferred corridor out of three for Shell’s onshore pipeline is expected to be decided before the end of next month.
Meanwhile, work at the terminal in north Mayo will continue. Up to 450 people are working at the site and there are plans for more than 700 jobs by the middle of next year.
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
Tuesday, 13 November 2007
EPA approves Shell Bellanaboy plant
The Environmental Protection Agency has given the go-ahead for Shell to operate its gas refinery and combustion plant at Bellanaboy, Co Mayo.
The Agency has decided to grant a licence for the processing of 9.9m cubic metres of natural gas per day at the plant.
Shell submitted its initial application to the EPA nearly three years ago. After the Agency requested further information - the final submission came in October 2006.
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In January of this year, the EPA announced its preliminary decision was to grant a licence to the facility and, following consultation and an oral hearing in April it has decided to re-affirm that position subject to 90 conditions.
By ways of reassurance, the EPA said its Office of Environmental Enforcement will monitor and enforce these conditions through environmental audits, unannounced site visits and systematic checks.
The EPA said it was satisfied that emissions from the licensed refinery will not adversely affect human health or the environment and will meet all relevant national and EU standards.
RTE
www.buckplanning.ie
The Agency has decided to grant a licence for the processing of 9.9m cubic metres of natural gas per day at the plant.
Shell submitted its initial application to the EPA nearly three years ago. After the Agency requested further information - the final submission came in October 2006.
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In January of this year, the EPA announced its preliminary decision was to grant a licence to the facility and, following consultation and an oral hearing in April it has decided to re-affirm that position subject to 90 conditions.
By ways of reassurance, the EPA said its Office of Environmental Enforcement will monitor and enforce these conditions through environmental audits, unannounced site visits and systematic checks.
The EPA said it was satisfied that emissions from the licensed refinery will not adversely affect human health or the environment and will meet all relevant national and EU standards.
RTE
www.buckplanning.ie
Saturday, 10 November 2007
Three held as latest gas site protest gets violent
THREE people were arrested and a man was hospitalised during a commemoration march by almost 300 protesters to the main gates of the Corrib Gas terminal in Bellanaboy, Co Mayo, yesterday.
The protest, which began at 7am, became noisy and abusive as activists flung themselves on to the roadway in front of a truck carrying huge boulders, which they believed was destined for the refinery site.
Gardai tried to keep the roadway clear but the protesters repeatedly kept returning to throw themselves on to the road. Shell said later the lorry was not involved with their construction activities on the terminal site.
Gardai taking part in the security operation appeared to outnumber the protesters. One was slightly injured after being punched in the face. A male demonstrator from Dublin, who injured his leg in an incident beside the truck, was taken by ambulance to Mayo General Hospital for treatment.
Caoimhe Kearns of Dublin Shell to Sea said: "During the pushing and shoving he was knocked to the ground. He was in an awful lot of pain."
After the march, some protesters claimed they had been "manhandled".
Oisin O'Dubhláin, who travelled from Cavan, said: "We have a right to walk these roads. People understandably get angry when they are prevented from going to a peaceful protest. To me that's not democracy."
Willie Corduff, one of the five men jailed for their opposition to the onshore gas pipeline, predicted bigger trouble in the future when Shell tried to get on to peoples' property to secure a land corridor to the terminal.
He added that the company was not even trying to obtain alternative route corridors for the onshore pipeline. Mr Corduff, who was accompanied on the protest by his wife, Mary, claimed Shell wasn't even trying to resolve the dispute because they were "going to get the Government to do their dirty work".
He predicted: "They might succeed in finishing the terminal but they won't succeed in getting a pipe to it". Yesterday's march was held to commemorate the 12th anniversary of the State execution of Nigerian writer Ken Saro-Wiwa and his eight comrades who were opposed to Shell activities, which they described as "environmental destruction" in their homeland.
Tom Shiel
Irish Independent
www.buckplanning.ie
The protest, which began at 7am, became noisy and abusive as activists flung themselves on to the roadway in front of a truck carrying huge boulders, which they believed was destined for the refinery site.
Gardai tried to keep the roadway clear but the protesters repeatedly kept returning to throw themselves on to the road. Shell said later the lorry was not involved with their construction activities on the terminal site.
Gardai taking part in the security operation appeared to outnumber the protesters. One was slightly injured after being punched in the face. A male demonstrator from Dublin, who injured his leg in an incident beside the truck, was taken by ambulance to Mayo General Hospital for treatment.
Caoimhe Kearns of Dublin Shell to Sea said: "During the pushing and shoving he was knocked to the ground. He was in an awful lot of pain."
After the march, some protesters claimed they had been "manhandled".
Oisin O'Dubhláin, who travelled from Cavan, said: "We have a right to walk these roads. People understandably get angry when they are prevented from going to a peaceful protest. To me that's not democracy."
Willie Corduff, one of the five men jailed for their opposition to the onshore gas pipeline, predicted bigger trouble in the future when Shell tried to get on to peoples' property to secure a land corridor to the terminal.
He added that the company was not even trying to obtain alternative route corridors for the onshore pipeline. Mr Corduff, who was accompanied on the protest by his wife, Mary, claimed Shell wasn't even trying to resolve the dispute because they were "going to get the Government to do their dirty work".
He predicted: "They might succeed in finishing the terminal but they won't succeed in getting a pipe to it". Yesterday's march was held to commemorate the 12th anniversary of the State execution of Nigerian writer Ken Saro-Wiwa and his eight comrades who were opposed to Shell activities, which they described as "environmental destruction" in their homeland.
Tom Shiel
Irish Independent
www.buckplanning.ie
Friday, 26 October 2007
Shell advisers had no consent to drill
The Department of the Environment is considering what action to take with the Corrib gas developers, following an admission by Shell consultants that they drilled in a special area of conservation (SAC) in north Mayo without the appropriate consent.
The consultants have also conceded they did not consult the National Parks and Wildlife Service before drilling boreholes in the Glenamoy bog complex special area of conservation.
They have said the "oversight" was due to "miscommunication", both within their own company and Shell E&P Ireland.
A Department of Environment spokesman said that an expert had been sent to assess whether the SAC had been damaged. It would decide what action to take.
Under the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations 1997, the Minister for the Environment must authorise any such work in a special area of conservation by written consent, and contravention of this "without reasonable excuse" is described as an "offence" in the legislation.
The borehole drilling was being carried out by RPS Consultants, which had been hired by Shell E&P Ireland to select a modified route for the Corrib gas onshore pipeline.
Six weeks ago, a solidarity camp on the same site at Glengad was directed by court order to be dismantled by January 1st.
In a statement to The Irish Times , RPS Consultants said: "We are aware that in order to carry out such activities within a SAC, permission needs to be granted by the Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government and we are currently in discussion with them."
Lorna Siggins
The Irish Times
The consultants have also conceded they did not consult the National Parks and Wildlife Service before drilling boreholes in the Glenamoy bog complex special area of conservation.
They have said the "oversight" was due to "miscommunication", both within their own company and Shell E&P Ireland.
A Department of Environment spokesman said that an expert had been sent to assess whether the SAC had been damaged. It would decide what action to take.
Under the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations 1997, the Minister for the Environment must authorise any such work in a special area of conservation by written consent, and contravention of this "without reasonable excuse" is described as an "offence" in the legislation.
The borehole drilling was being carried out by RPS Consultants, which had been hired by Shell E&P Ireland to select a modified route for the Corrib gas onshore pipeline.
Six weeks ago, a solidarity camp on the same site at Glengad was directed by court order to be dismantled by January 1st.
In a statement to The Irish Times , RPS Consultants said: "We are aware that in order to carry out such activities within a SAC, permission needs to be granted by the Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government and we are currently in discussion with them."
Lorna Siggins
The Irish Times
Wednesday, 17 October 2007
Corrib gas objectors to meet Ryan
AN unprecedented meeting will take place today between objectors to the Corrib gas project and Energy Minister Eamon Ryan where they will outline their concerns over the Shell-led project. The talks will centre on objections to the gas project’s refinery, planned for Bellinaboy, in north Mayo.
An eight-person committee, made up of Shell to Sea campaigners and locals are scheduled to meet Mr Ryan at Leinster House.
Shell to Sea said the meeting was the first of its kind.
“It’s the first meeting of representatives from the community, who up until now have been sidelined. We have always been opposed to the land refinery but this has been off the table for a while. We have some questions for him
[Mr Ryan] on his remit for the project,” explained campaign spokesman and Mayo man John Monaghan.
An independent report by Peter Cassells, former general secretary ICTU, is expected to be raised with Mr Ryan. In July last year, it made a number of recommendations including that Shell modify the planned onshore gas pipeline route and that Bord Gáis come on board. The report found a majority in Rossport, the wider Erris area and Co Mayo were in favour of the project. One of the Rossport Five — the men jailed for 94 days after protesting over the project — will be among those meeting Mr Ryan today.
This is the first meeting a government minister has had with any of the Rossport Five since their release.
Discussions on the Advantica report, commissioned on the safety of the pipeline, are also expected to take place. The continued Garda presence at the refinery site where protesters have gathered will also be raised.
“This is the strangest policing operation within the State and a complete waste of resources,” said Shell to Sea’s John Monaghan.
Figures released last week show the security bill for continued Garda presence at the refinery has grown to more than €8 million.
Irish Examiner
An eight-person committee, made up of Shell to Sea campaigners and locals are scheduled to meet Mr Ryan at Leinster House.
Shell to Sea said the meeting was the first of its kind.
“It’s the first meeting of representatives from the community, who up until now have been sidelined. We have always been opposed to the land refinery but this has been off the table for a while. We have some questions for him
[Mr Ryan] on his remit for the project,” explained campaign spokesman and Mayo man John Monaghan.
An independent report by Peter Cassells, former general secretary ICTU, is expected to be raised with Mr Ryan. In July last year, it made a number of recommendations including that Shell modify the planned onshore gas pipeline route and that Bord Gáis come on board. The report found a majority in Rossport, the wider Erris area and Co Mayo were in favour of the project. One of the Rossport Five — the men jailed for 94 days after protesting over the project — will be among those meeting Mr Ryan today.
This is the first meeting a government minister has had with any of the Rossport Five since their release.
Discussions on the Advantica report, commissioned on the safety of the pipeline, are also expected to take place. The continued Garda presence at the refinery site where protesters have gathered will also be raised.
“This is the strangest policing operation within the State and a complete waste of resources,” said Shell to Sea’s John Monaghan.
Figures released last week show the security bill for continued Garda presence at the refinery has grown to more than €8 million.
Irish Examiner
Thursday, 11 October 2007
Outrage over €8m bill for monitoring Shell refinery site
THE Garda security operation at the Shell refinery site in north Mayo has cost the State €8.1 million to date, according to new figures.
The taxpayers’ bill amounts to about €666,000 a month since gardaí began monitoring the site and escorting Shell workers last October.
Last night, opposition TDs and campaigners branded the costs as “ridiculous” and “disgraceful”.
The security costs, which include salaries over the past 12 months, were provided to Sinn Féin’s Caoimhghin Ó Caoláin following a parliamentary question to the Department of Justice.
Defending the costs, Justice Minister Brian Lenihan said the allocation of resources to the policing plan in Bellanaboy was closely monitored and kept under constant review by local senior Garda management. The release of the figures came as Shell to Sea supporters held an all-night vigil last week to mark a year since deployment of extra gardaí to the area.
Up to 200 gardaí have been charged with escorting Shell staff and contractors into the Corrib gas terminal since work resumed last year.
Last night, Sinn Féin’s Martin Ferris branded the figures as “disgraceful”.
He said: “It seems the Government is content to effectively fund a multinational to the tune of €8.1m. It’s a disgraceful sum when you look at the extent of problems in the health service and the cuts introduced by the HSE.
“The local community had no alternative but to protest. It’s their democratic right to hold peaceful and dignified protests.”
Shell to Sea spokesman John Monaghan described the expenditure as an “entire waste of taxpayers’ money”.
“We have always maintained that this is a private dispute between locals and Shell. In the 15 months prior to the gardaí arriving on site, there were no incidents or upsets,” he said.
Protestors have been picketing the site every working day since July 2005 as part of their campaign to have the pipeline rerouted offshore.
Next week, the protest group hope to meet with the new Minister for Communications, Natural and Energy Resources Eamon Ryan. In September, consultants for Shell published a shortlist of three “corridors” for a modified Corrib gas onshore pipeline route.
A route is expected to be chosen by the end of this year and submitted to An Bord Pleanála for approval under the Strategic Infrastructure Act.
Irish Examiner
The taxpayers’ bill amounts to about €666,000 a month since gardaí began monitoring the site and escorting Shell workers last October.
Last night, opposition TDs and campaigners branded the costs as “ridiculous” and “disgraceful”.
The security costs, which include salaries over the past 12 months, were provided to Sinn Féin’s Caoimhghin Ó Caoláin following a parliamentary question to the Department of Justice.
Defending the costs, Justice Minister Brian Lenihan said the allocation of resources to the policing plan in Bellanaboy was closely monitored and kept under constant review by local senior Garda management. The release of the figures came as Shell to Sea supporters held an all-night vigil last week to mark a year since deployment of extra gardaí to the area.
Up to 200 gardaí have been charged with escorting Shell staff and contractors into the Corrib gas terminal since work resumed last year.
Last night, Sinn Féin’s Martin Ferris branded the figures as “disgraceful”.
He said: “It seems the Government is content to effectively fund a multinational to the tune of €8.1m. It’s a disgraceful sum when you look at the extent of problems in the health service and the cuts introduced by the HSE.
“The local community had no alternative but to protest. It’s their democratic right to hold peaceful and dignified protests.”
Shell to Sea spokesman John Monaghan described the expenditure as an “entire waste of taxpayers’ money”.
“We have always maintained that this is a private dispute between locals and Shell. In the 15 months prior to the gardaí arriving on site, there were no incidents or upsets,” he said.
Protestors have been picketing the site every working day since July 2005 as part of their campaign to have the pipeline rerouted offshore.
Next week, the protest group hope to meet with the new Minister for Communications, Natural and Energy Resources Eamon Ryan. In September, consultants for Shell published a shortlist of three “corridors” for a modified Corrib gas onshore pipeline route.
A route is expected to be chosen by the end of this year and submitted to An Bord Pleanála for approval under the Strategic Infrastructure Act.
Irish Examiner
Tuesday, 9 October 2007
Shell pipeline putting dolphins and bay at risk, claim campaigners
ANTI-SHELL campaigners are concerned about the planned Mayo gas pipeline damaging dolphin habitats after recent sightings of up to 20 of the mammals locally.
The bottlenose dolphins were spotted off Broadhaven Bay in north Mayo over the past two weeks. Many were young and campaigners say the adult mammals are similar to ones spotted previously.
Objectors to the planned Shell gas pipeline — due to run across the bay — fear dolphins may not return to the secluded spot if pipe-laying work goes ahead.
“They were smack bang in the middle of where they have carried out dredging before,” said Shell to Sea’s John Monaghan, who captured images of the dolphins.
“In some of the pictures you can clearly see young with them. It appears the same group of dolphins [identified from marks on their dorsal fins] have been in the same waters in the last two years, so along with the young, this may indicate that they are resident rather than visitors.”
Shell to Sea warn any largescale industrial activity could harm the bay’s habitat.
“The seismic activities associated with the offshore exploration and the recent survey work in the bay itself, could have very serious effects on mammals because they depend on sonar,” they said.
The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group has now begun an investigation into the recent bottlenose dolphin sightings in Broadhaven Bay.
The group’s co-ordinator Simon Berrow said it was important if the mammals were returning to the Mayo bay. If true, it would increase the environmental significance of a region that is already a special area of conservation.
A survey of Broadhaven Bay carried out by UCC’s Coastal and Marine Resources Centre on behalf of the Corrib gas partners in 2001, revealed varied species of mammals in the area.
A total of 223 mammal sightings were made in and around the bay over a 12-month period, including different species of whales, dolphins, porpoises and basking sharks.
The “biological significance of the area should not be overlooked,” the UCC report concluded.
Shell yesterday said every effort would be made to identify concerns in or around the bay once pipeline work begins. A spokeswoman confirmed dredging took place in the bay previously in 2005 but that there were marine mammal observers aboard the ship.
It was too early to speculate on any activity that this pipeline building would produce, she said.
Shell admit all of its plans to link the offshore section of its gas pipeline will come into or run across Broadhaven Bay.
Irish Examiner
The bottlenose dolphins were spotted off Broadhaven Bay in north Mayo over the past two weeks. Many were young and campaigners say the adult mammals are similar to ones spotted previously.
Objectors to the planned Shell gas pipeline — due to run across the bay — fear dolphins may not return to the secluded spot if pipe-laying work goes ahead.
“They were smack bang in the middle of where they have carried out dredging before,” said Shell to Sea’s John Monaghan, who captured images of the dolphins.
“In some of the pictures you can clearly see young with them. It appears the same group of dolphins [identified from marks on their dorsal fins] have been in the same waters in the last two years, so along with the young, this may indicate that they are resident rather than visitors.”
Shell to Sea warn any largescale industrial activity could harm the bay’s habitat.
“The seismic activities associated with the offshore exploration and the recent survey work in the bay itself, could have very serious effects on mammals because they depend on sonar,” they said.
The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group has now begun an investigation into the recent bottlenose dolphin sightings in Broadhaven Bay.
The group’s co-ordinator Simon Berrow said it was important if the mammals were returning to the Mayo bay. If true, it would increase the environmental significance of a region that is already a special area of conservation.
A survey of Broadhaven Bay carried out by UCC’s Coastal and Marine Resources Centre on behalf of the Corrib gas partners in 2001, revealed varied species of mammals in the area.
A total of 223 mammal sightings were made in and around the bay over a 12-month period, including different species of whales, dolphins, porpoises and basking sharks.
The “biological significance of the area should not be overlooked,” the UCC report concluded.
Shell yesterday said every effort would be made to identify concerns in or around the bay once pipeline work begins. A spokeswoman confirmed dredging took place in the bay previously in 2005 but that there were marine mammal observers aboard the ship.
It was too early to speculate on any activity that this pipeline building would produce, she said.
Shell admit all of its plans to link the offshore section of its gas pipeline will come into or run across Broadhaven Bay.
Irish Examiner
Saturday, 29 September 2007
Judge defies Shell to Sea hate mail
A SLIGO-based district judge has been getting hate mail over the fall-out from the “Shell to Sea” protests in County Mayo. Judge Mary Devins has revealed that hate mail has been sent to her following cases she dealt with in connection with the protests. Some of the mail was signed, but the “cowards” who had sent unsigned mail had shown their ignorance of her, she told the court.
Some of this mail involved print-outs of various indy-media and newspaper reports. The judge - who is the wife of Sligo-North Leitrim TD and junior government minister Dr Jimmy Devins - told Belmullet district court that she was satisfied about her neutrality in the cases - despite the letters. “I am quite satisfied as to my independence” she said. “I am not a coward.” She said she considered the independence of the judiciary to be sacrosanct, and said that in her eight years on the bench in Mayo, if people went back to check, her independence would be very obvious. The judge said she was not barring herself from hearing three cases which related to the Shell protests, on the basis that she may be perceived to be influenced by previous cases or by the threatening letters she received. A defending solicitor - Alan Gannon - made the application saying ‘justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done’. He said he did not support the fact the judge had received “hate mail”, which he said was wrong. But he was concerned that a reasonable person sitting in the court might be concerned that perhaps justice was not seen to be done. Judge Devins said she had got hate mail over other cases and it had not affected her judgement. “Not a single thing has ever influenced my decisions,” she said. “When I am sitting on the bench that is all I am, a judge of the district court. I am not a coward”. Four defendants appeared before Belmullet district court in connection with disturbances at the “Shell to Sea” protest at Bellanaboy. The cases were adjourned for hearing until October 19.
Gerry McLaughlin
Sligo Weekender
Some of this mail involved print-outs of various indy-media and newspaper reports. The judge - who is the wife of Sligo-North Leitrim TD and junior government minister Dr Jimmy Devins - told Belmullet district court that she was satisfied about her neutrality in the cases - despite the letters. “I am quite satisfied as to my independence” she said. “I am not a coward.” She said she considered the independence of the judiciary to be sacrosanct, and said that in her eight years on the bench in Mayo, if people went back to check, her independence would be very obvious. The judge said she was not barring herself from hearing three cases which related to the Shell protests, on the basis that she may be perceived to be influenced by previous cases or by the threatening letters she received. A defending solicitor - Alan Gannon - made the application saying ‘justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done’. He said he did not support the fact the judge had received “hate mail”, which he said was wrong. But he was concerned that a reasonable person sitting in the court might be concerned that perhaps justice was not seen to be done. Judge Devins said she had got hate mail over other cases and it had not affected her judgement. “Not a single thing has ever influenced my decisions,” she said. “When I am sitting on the bench that is all I am, a judge of the district court. I am not a coward”. Four defendants appeared before Belmullet district court in connection with disturbances at the “Shell to Sea” protest at Bellanaboy. The cases were adjourned for hearing until October 19.
Gerry McLaughlin
Sligo Weekender
Wednesday, 19 September 2007
Shell consultants list three possible routes for pipeline
CONSULTANTS for Shell E&P Ireland yesterday announced three possible onshore Corrib pipeline routes as the campaign of opposition to the project pledged to fight the plan to the bitter end.
The consultants, RPS, published a list of eight potential routes last June.
Their next step is to open discussions on the proposed three routes with the public and landowners, and they say an environmental impact statement will be prepared for the final planning submission.
Shell to Sea campaign spokesman John Monaghan said last night: “We don’t want to see the pipeline at all, in any form, and we have stated that very clearly to the consultants.”
The only option, and one which was not included in the consultants’ shortlist, was to remove the pipeline and proposed refinery away from socially and environmentally sensitive areas, in other words out of the Rossport region, he said.
The campaign will continue to use legal and whatever other avenues are open to it to overturn the Shell plan, he said.
Aside from a “distinct minority”, there was nobody in the region who wanted anything other than a reversal of the pipeline plan, and consequently the shortlisted options would do nothing to end the battle between Shell and the campaign of opposition, he said.
The final route is expected to be chosen by the end of the year.
Yesterday’s announcement came after three months of consultation with landowners, the local community and statutory bodies regarding the options published last June.
The consultants’ shortlist has been placed on display in their project office in Belmullet, Co Mayo.
Once the route is chosen, the consultants have expressed their intention to submit the final Corrib gas pipeline route to State authorities for approval for the first time.
Irish Examiner
The consultants, RPS, published a list of eight potential routes last June.
Their next step is to open discussions on the proposed three routes with the public and landowners, and they say an environmental impact statement will be prepared for the final planning submission.
Shell to Sea campaign spokesman John Monaghan said last night: “We don’t want to see the pipeline at all, in any form, and we have stated that very clearly to the consultants.”
The only option, and one which was not included in the consultants’ shortlist, was to remove the pipeline and proposed refinery away from socially and environmentally sensitive areas, in other words out of the Rossport region, he said.
The campaign will continue to use legal and whatever other avenues are open to it to overturn the Shell plan, he said.
Aside from a “distinct minority”, there was nobody in the region who wanted anything other than a reversal of the pipeline plan, and consequently the shortlisted options would do nothing to end the battle between Shell and the campaign of opposition, he said.
The final route is expected to be chosen by the end of the year.
Yesterday’s announcement came after three months of consultation with landowners, the local community and statutory bodies regarding the options published last June.
The consultants’ shortlist has been placed on display in their project office in Belmullet, Co Mayo.
Once the route is chosen, the consultants have expressed their intention to submit the final Corrib gas pipeline route to State authorities for approval for the first time.
Irish Examiner
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