February 2012

THE managing director of Shell E&P Ireland Ltd (SEPIL) has admitted that “mistakes were made” in the Corrib Gas project.

Michael Crothers, the recently appointed MD of SEPIL, told the Western People that the controversial north Mayo project is “by far the most difficult” he has seen in 25 years with the company. He said that Corrib is now used as a “case study” in terms of Shell’s engagement with local communities and stakeholders worldwide.

THE Corrib Gas project’s new managing director Michael Crothers has revealed figures he says confirm the significant employment and economic benefits of the project. The figures have been challenged by a representative of local community group Pobal Chill Chomáin.
Mr Crothers also held out an olive branch to those people in north-west Mayo who still have concerns about the controversial project, which continues to attract regular protests. He said he was ‘willing to open a dialogue about those concerns.’

On RTÉ’s Frontline last night, I raised the question of the very low projected tax take from the Corrib Gas project. This issue is sometimes misunderstood. An example comes in this comment sent to me today by one of the other contributors to the programme, Tony Allwright. You can read my response below.