Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 94: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the forum that he established in relation to the bringing ashore of gas from the Corrib gas field; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4610/09]

Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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The North West Mayo Forum is an initiative involving the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and myself. It was established in November last following Government approval. The forum is chaired by Mr Joe Brosnan, a former Secretary General of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform.

The Forum has, as its objectives, to further the socio-economic development of the North West Mayo Region and to provide an opportunity for dialogue between parties with an interest in the Corrib Gas project. The Forum will also help promote an understanding of how the project is regulated by providing an opportunity for a coordinated engagement with the Government Departments and other State bodies that have a regulatory role in relation to the Corrib Gas Project.

Membership of the Forum is comprised of representatives of a wide range of local groups; elected public representatives; Government Departments, State bodies and Shell E&P Ireland Limited. A number of local groups opposed to the current configuration of the gas project have so far declined to participate in the Forum.

The Forum has met on two occasions. These meetings on 5 December 2008 and 2 February 2009 allowed discussion and debate on a range of issues as follows: the detail of the statutory consents that are in place in relation to the Corrib Gas Project; and development opportunities in North West Mayo, including potential energy related projects.

Thus far the Forum has, I believe proven to be a useful vehicle for engagement on issues of relevance to the project and the region.