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"Premature Construction of Offshore Pipeline"
Thu 10 Jul 2008 02:59 am filed by the Editor - Ireland
Shell has announced that work is to begin on the offshore section of the Corrib Gas pipeline.
Shell to Sea said: "This work should be halted this to remain consistent with the Department of Energy's stated aim that development should be 'consistent with the highest standards of safety and environmental protection'."
With Shell only recently applying for planning permission for the onshore pipeline it is extremely premature to begin work on the offshore pipeline, the protest group said.
Shell to Sea spokesperson, Maura Harrington said: "This once again illustrates the way this project has been split, with Shell beginning to work on an offshore section which will end up at a landfall area which still hasn't been approved by An Bord Pleanala."
She said that Minister for Natural Resources Eamon Ryan, who in 2007 stated that he has continuously supported the local community "in their opposition to Shell's development of the Corrib Gas Pipeline", should call for a halt to this attempt to subvert the procedures of proper planning.
Maura Harrington continued: "this dredging and pipe laying will cause significant disturbance to Broadhaven Bay which is an area of great ecological richness and has been designated as a special area of conservation".
Related Link: http://www.corribsos.com/index.php?id=1801