AN TAISCE has secured leave to pursue a second judicial review of State consents for the Corrib gas pipeline in north Mayo.
Mr Justice Michael Peart has granted leave in the High Court for the heritage body to seek a review of consents signed by former Fianna Fáil minister Pat Carey on February 25th last, the day of the general election.
Mr Carey, who was acting energy minister after the withdrawal of the Green Party from government, signed consents under the gas and petroleum Acts to construct the onshore pipeline and revise the plan of development.
The move was criticised at the time by the Labour Party, Sinn Féin, the Socialist Party, the United Left Alliance and by community group Pobal Chill Chomáin, while Green Party sources said that no recommendation for approval was on then minister for energy Eamon Ryan’s desk before they left office.
Mr Carey, who lost his seat in the election, said the decision was “taken after very comprehensive assessment and legal advice”.
New Minister for Energy Pat Rabbitte refused requests to review the decision and a foreshore licence was issued a month later by Minister for the Environment Phil Hogan.
