Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)

There is a perception, stated by the Minister and contradicted by Deputy Broughan, that these objections come from people outside the area. While it might be convenient for the Minister or others such as Deputy Kenny to believe this and to make such statements, it is completely wrong. How could the Minister know when he never came to the site to examine what was happening? He believes people who tell him what he wishes to hear. Local people have a problem pertaining to the installation of an operation in a pristine 400 acre area that is to become what people view as a centre for the petrochemical industry. The area is completely undisturbed and has everything going for it. However, the proposed development will destroy the entire area to produce 50 long-term jobs.

Some issues, such as cold venting of the gas were not addressed in the planning process. Potentially, such issues are extremely damaging for the area. The Minister continually speaks about the pipeline, which is dictated by the location of the refinery and that issue was never addressed by either Advantica or Peter Cassells.

The Minister could not be more incorrect if he believes this has to do with outsiders. It pertains to local people. People nationwide are upset and annoyed that the Government, including the Minister and the Taoiseach, is washing its hands in this respect. This is an extremely important matter for the people of the locality. They are passive people who would do nothing other than protest peacefully, as they have been doing. However, something must give when hundreds of people and hundreds of gardaí are present and Members are witnessing conflict between many people on the ground on a daily basis. If he is interested, the Minister can come and see this reality.

The price of gas has risen by 30% and the Minister is aware that were Corrib gas to be brought ashore tomorrow, it would make no difference in this regard. As for Deputy Durkan's idea regarding security of supply, the biggest pipeline in the world links the United Kingdom with Norway and that pipeline has provided an assured supply of gas to the market, which is global.

I do not understand why the Minister will not at least identify the optimal potential site for this refinery as this issue has never been considered. The Shell to Sea campaign proposed an independent commission to consider the issue of the location of the refinery. Although the Minister incorrectly dismissed it as being completely irrelevant, it provides a practical solution to this issue. For all his talk of sorting out all the concerns regarding safety issues and so on, the Minister has never considered the location of the refinery. He should do so and the best way is to accept the idea of an independent commission of inquiry. Otherwise, this problem will simply persist. The people deserve more.

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