By:
Lorna Siggins - Irish Times
[Shell to Sea] It seems Minister for Energy Alex White is ashamed to show his face with Shell despite doing their bidding and signing off on the final Corrib gas consent on 29th Decemeber, despite a pending judicial review of the EPA licence.
Joe McHugh representing Government at invitation-only event in Belmullet
Colm and Gabielle Henry live at Glengad, Co Mayo. Their home overlooks Sruwaddacon Bay and the pipeline’s landfall. Photograph: Keith Heneghan
The €3.5 billion Corrib gas development is due to be opened by Minister of State for Natural Resources Joe McHugh on Monday, almost 20 years after the gas discovery was reported off the north Mayo coast.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny had been earmarked for the invitation-only event, but will be at Downing Street in London. Corrib shareholders Shell, Statoil and Vermillion are hosting a plaque unveiling and lunch in Belmullet, almost 15km from the gas refinery.
While much of the town’s focus is currently on sale of the €13.7 million winning Lotto ticket in Carey’s newsagent, the project opening represents a significant milestone.
It was given final approval by Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Alex White on December 29th, and valves controlling the wells at the field, 83km offshore, were opened on December 30th.
Posted Date:
25 January 2016