The Minister for the Marine, Mr Fahey, has been accused of "interfering in the planning process in Co Mayo" in relation to the Corrib gas project.
In a Dβil reply to the Mayo TD Michael Ring (FG), the Minister admitted his Department had contacted Mayo County Council and asked to be informed before a decision was taken on the planning application for a terminal building.
However, the Minister has insisted: "Mayo County Council did not make contact with my Department in regard to their decision in relation to the application."
Speaking yesterday, Mr Ring said: "I wonder if the Minister has contacted any other council in the country about planning. Why is the Marine Department interfering in the planning process?"
When informed that Mayo County Council hosted a meeting in late June, at which a Department official was present, along with council heads of departments, Mr Ring said: "This is not acceptable. This is a serious development. It is no wonder people in north Mayo are concerned about the planning process in relation to the terminal building. I will have to submit further Dβil questions on this matter."
Planning permission for the Corrib gas terminal was granted on August 3rd by Mayo County Council. The decision has been appealed to An Bord Pleanβla.