Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 178: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will reverse the decision to approve the construction of the Corrib gas pipeline (details supplied) taken on the day of the general election and instead take action to ensure that the principal benefactor from this natural resource is the Irish people. [5044/11]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

An application, pursuant to section 40 of the Gas Act, 1976, and Section 13 of the Petroleum and Other Minerals Development Act to construct the Corrib Gas Pipeline was submitted by Shell E & P Ireland Limited on behalf of the Corrib Partners on 31 May, 2010.

The detailed assessment of the application undertaken by my Department established that:

The pipeline may be considered safe and the Minister could, were he so minded, permit consent for construction subject to conditions that would ensure compliance with commitments made in submissions, regulations and national/international Standards.

The proposed construction activities and operation of the pipeline would not adversely affect the integrity of the Natura 2000 sites provided that the pipeline was constructed and operated:

within the planned parameters defined in the Application materials; and

in accordance with all proposed environmental conditions.

Subject to the specified engineering conditions, there are no engineering reasons consent to construct should not be given in accordance with the Application.

Having considered the foregoing the Minister granted his consent.

It is my understanding that the statutory process concerning the applications submitted by Shell E & P Ireland Limited as provided for in the Gas and Petroleum Acts has been followed and that the consents granted are valid consents. Accordingly, the issue of revocation does not arise.