January 2011

MINISTER FOR Energy Eamon Ryan is expected to issue a decision in “the coming weeks” on Shell E&P Ireland’s application to construct the last section of the Corrib gas pipeline. But it could still be two years or more before the gas starts coming ashore.

Mr Ryan’s decision will follow An Bord Pleanála’s landmark ruling yesterday that approved the developer’s revised plans for the onshore link.

An Bord Pleanála has approved Shell E&P Ireland’s third proposed route for the final section of the Corrib gas pipeline with 58 conditions.

Inspector Martin Nolan, who chaired last year’s resumed oral hearing on the revised plan, says that the application’s “clarity and transparency” provides “confidence that the safety of the public is fully protected, and that the public will not be put at risk”.

A giant natural gas explosion has killed a utility worker in Philadelphia.

The explosion was caught on video as firefighters and utility employees worked to patch a high pressure gas main that had ruptured in a residential neighbourhood.

The body of the Philadelphia Gas Works employee was found after flames calmed down.

Four other workers and one firefighter were transported to local hospitals, the Philadelphia fire commissioner confirmed.