Shell unveils blueprint for pipeline

Thursday, 26 August 2010 19:14

Shell E&P Ireland Limited (SEPIL) has unveiled plans to construct a 4.9km tunnel under Sruwaddacon Bay, to carry the onshore pipeline from the landfall at Glengad towards the gas-processing terminal at Bellanaboy in north Mayo.
The company said they are looking forward to participating fully in An Bord Pleanála's resumed oral hearing into the Corrib onshore pipeline.
Following the board's request for further information, SEPIL submitted a revised Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) under the Strategic Infrastructure Act, seeking planning permission for the tunnel project.
By building the pipeline under Sruwaddacon Bay the nearest occupied house is now 234 metres away from the pipeline, more than three times the original distance.
Speaking in Belmullet last night (Monday) as the oral hearing commenced, Mr. Terry Nolan, SEPIL managing director, said: "The resumption of the oral hearing will allow us to demonstrate in a clear and transparent way the very significant safety systems and features incorporated in the design of the Corrib project.
"The Corrib onshore pipeline is safe. Its design provides a level of safety considerably beyond the risk criteria suggested by An Bord Pleanála," said Mr. Nolan.
"An Bord Pleanála also asked us to bring the pipeline route through Sruwaddacon Bay.
"We have designed a tunnel to carry the pipeline under the bay because it will have the least environmental impact on the bay, which is a Special Area of Conservation."
The resumed oral hearing in the Broadhaven Hotel, Belmullet, is expected to last for up to two weeks.