Mixed reaction to Corrib mediator's proposals

Mixed reaction to Corrib mediator's proposals28 July 2006 22:33<?xml:namespace prefix = rte />
There has been an initial welcome for proposals put forward by the independent mediator, Peter Cassells, to resolve the Corrib gas pipeline controversy, but there has also been a warning that the proposals may not go far enough.
The Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources, Noel Dempsey, told RTÉ News the ten-point plan published this morning provided an opportunity to move the matter forward and he called on all sides to respond positively to the recommendations.
The Shell To Sea campaign group welcomed Mr Cassells' recommendations, but said they would not in themselves resolve the dispute.
Dr Mark Garavan of the group said the proposed re-routing vindicated the stand taken by the Rossport residents but such a move would simply transfer the conflict to another community in the Erris area.
He said what was really needed was a new project to bring gas ashore from the Corrib field off the Mayo coast.
The report recommends that Shell Ireland alters the route of the pipeline in the Rossport area of Co Mayo to address the community concerns regarding its proximity to houses there.
It also recommends that consideration be given to involving Bord Gáis in the project to provide an added assurance that local concerns would be adequately dealt with.
Bord Gáis has built all of the gas line distributor pipelines throughout the country and is currently building a pipeline through Galway and Mayo which would link the Shell terminal at Ballinaboy to the national grid at Craughwell in Co Galway.
The report also makes recommendations in relation to an investment fund for the area, use of the local labour in the construction phase of the project and further talks to discuss concerns which local fishermen have in relation to the discharge of waste water from the planned gas terminal.

Audio and Video

News At One: Minister Noel Dempsey, Shell's Deputy MD Peter Nolan, and Shell to Sea Spokesman Dr Mark Garavan react to the report

News At One: Peter Cassells discusses his role as mediator between Shell Ireland and the Shell to Sea group, who oppose the Corrib gas pipeline

Nine News: Jim Fahy, Western Correspondent, reports that Shell says it is ready to discuss the issues with Rossport residents

Six One News: Dr Mark Garavan, spokesperson for the Shell to Sea group, discusses the proposed re-routing of the pipeline

Six One News: Jim Fahy, Western Correspondent, reports on the publishing of a report on the controversial Corrib gas pipeline by independent mediator Peter Cassells

One News: Peter Cassells, author of the report, describes his proposals which follow seven months of mediation efforts in the dispute and gives his view on the likelihood of a solution in the row

One News: Jim Fahy, Western Correspondent, reports on the reaction to the proposals published by independent mediator Peter Cassells which call for the re-routing of the Corrib gas pipeline