Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
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Question 224: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on whether the only way forward for the Corrib gas conflict is through a political solution that recognises the rights of communities to participate meaningfully in decisions which directly affect their health, safety, environment and quality of life and that refusal to accept that important principle is at the heart of the present conflict; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10614/07]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware the Corrib Development has received the necessary consents to proceed and there has been a very considerable consultation with the local community in relation to those consents.

For example, in the case of the pipeline consent and the approval issued by my Department, the public were invited to input to the safety review conducted by Advantica. The Deputy will also be aware that planning approval for the terminal at Bellanaboy was given after a lengthy and detailed process that provided a number of opportunities for engagement by the public, including a Bord Pleanála oral hearing. Again in the case of the application by the developer for an IPPC licence from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the local community has had opportunities to provide input and the EPA has also decided to provide a further opportunity by agreeing to hold an oral hearing.

Following recommendations made in Cassells report, Shell Exploration and Production Ireland Limited (SEPIL), has committed to modifying the pipeline route. SEPIL has also committed to consulting with the local community in this regard and facilitated public consultation on the issue in recent weeks. I understand that the local community will continue to be consulted as options for a modified pipeline route are developed.

Having regard to the above, I am sure that the Deputy must agree that the public have been afforded and continue to be offered, very considerable meaningful opportunities to engage with the planning and approval of key elements of the overall development.