‘Caretaker’ ministers warned not to sign off on controversial plan

Shell to Sea members will reject the bona fides of any consent that may be issued to Shell E&P Ireland by either ministers Eamon Ó Cuiv and Pat Carey, who have now inherited the project from former Green Party ministers Eamon Ryan and John Gormley.
Applications for a foreshore licence, the plan of development and approval of Section 40 of the Gas Act were in the hands of Ministers Gormley and Ryan before they walked out of Government on Sunday.
Campaigner Maura Harrington says she has not forgotten that Frank Fahey issued a foreshore licence to Shell on his last day in office in May 2002 but warned Ministers O’Cuiv and Carey they won’t be allowed to do the same.

“The current Shell Corrib gas project is in direct contravention of EU habitats directives and has such dire consequences for the safety of the local community, the environment and Irish natural resources. Any attempt to sign off these consents by the temporary ministers, who now have charge of six departments, would show a complete disregard for the democratic and regulatory principles of this country, “ she said.