The Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources has confirmed that the European Commission is seeking "clarification" over aspects of the offshore licence granted to the Corrib gas field development planned by Enterprise Energy Ireland (EEI).
Department officials are due to meet representatives from the EU environment directorate next month, following complaints submitted by objectors.
However, a Department spokesman said the various approvals given for the project's offshore operation had undergone a rigorous regulatory procedure, which included examination by an independent marine licensing vetting committee.
The Commission's queries follow the confirmation last week by An Bord Pleanála that it was re-opening its oral hearing on the onshore part to the project. The board took the unusual step of re-opening its hearing after it requested further information on the terminal from EEI - which is now owned by Shell. The terminal will prepare the gas for transmission into the national gas grid.
The European Commission's environment directorate is now seeking information on assessment procedures. It is also looking at the safeguarding of protected habitats, special areas of conservation (SACs) and special protected areas (SPAs) for wildbird and marine priority species, namely harbour porpoise and bottlenose dolphin.
It has also requested details of the reasons for approving a discharge location, and future pipeline discharges from the proposed terminal as well as the treatment and discharges of waste water arising during the construction of the terminal. The Commission has also queried the risk of groundwater and other water pollution arising from the terminal.
It has asked the Department for Communication, Marine and Natural Resources to comment on deficiencies in the Irish regulatory framework for offshore oil and gas exploration, as highlighted in a report presented by An Taisce in 2000 to the Government.
The Commission is seeking details on regulation of wastes generated from offshore oil and gas exploration, and the Department has been asked for a response to claims that seismic surveys and exploratory appraisal well drilling were conducted by EEI since 1996 without environmental surveys and regulation.
The company has also been asked to explain the steps taken under the Habitats Directive, Article 12, to protect whales and dolphins from disturbance caused by seismic surveys, exploratory drilling and blasting in Broadhaven Bay, and to comment on claims that information provided by the developer was deficient with regard to protected wild bird sites.
The former Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources, Mr Fahey, issued the petroleum lease for the Corrib gas field on November 16th last year, and referred approval of the offshore planning aspects to a marine licence vetting committee established by him, but described as "independent". The committee's scientific report, recommending approval but with qualifications, was published by the Minister last April, and he acted on its recommendations shortly afterwards.
Planning approval for the onshore terminal was originally granted by Mayo County Council in August of last year, and this was then appealed to An Bord Pleanála.
The resumed planning hearing is due to open on November 25th, but local objectors want it to be held in Erris in north Mayo, rather than in Castlebar.
