Details of alternative Corrib routes due

Details of eight possible alternative routes for the onshore section of a controversial Corrib gas pipeline will be unveiled …

Details of eight possible alternative routes for the onshore section of a controversial Corrib gas pipeline will be unveiled this evening.

The options for the modified route will be outlined at an information meeting hosted by consultants RPS in Bellmullet, Co Mayo.

We have made every effort to be as comprehensive, transparent and open as possible about the criteria that will be used in the route selection process...
RPS director PJ Rudden

Shell E&P Ireland hired RPS in January to assist it in finding a modified route. The company's brief included "consultation around the criteria for finding a modified route, surveying and mapping, engineering design, environmental assessment, procurement support and construction supervision", according to Shell.

A modified route was proposed by Government mediator Peter Cassells last year.

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In a statement RPS said it had used land registry searches to identified more than 200 registered landowners who may be affected and invited them to the six-hour meeting in the Broadhaven Bay Hotel at 3pm.

The consultants will do further technical work on the corridors over the next month and will seek input from the community and statutory bodies before making a full evaluation of all options, it said. It will then short-list a preferred route

"We have made every effort to be as comprehensive, transparent and open as possible about the criteria that will be used in the route selection process as well as being clear about the phases we are going through to find the best alternative route for the onshore Corrib pipeline," said RPS director PJ Rudden.

Gardaí, north Mayo residents and opponents of the Corrib gas project were involved in a physical confrontation at Pollathomas harbour last night, which led to a number of injuries being sustained and one arrest.

The dispute arose over attempts by contractors for Shell E&P Ireland to prepare for survey work in Sruwaddaccon Bay. The company says it was trying to place a Portaloo on Pollathomas pier for surveyors, but residents say that the contractor was attempting to cross private land.

Gardaí stepped up their security presence in the area over the weekend by deploying patrol boats to assist the surveying of alternative route for the onshore gas pipeline.

Deployment of the water unit is expected to add to the cost of Garda security, now running at over €6 million to mid-April. A Shell spokeswoman said that was a matter for the force.

Patrick  Logue

Patrick Logue

Patrick Logue is Digital Editor of The Irish Times