Number of Mayo councillors confirm support for new Erris gas line project

by Caoimhín Rowland

In a significant development, a number of Mayo county councillors have confirmed their support for €50 million Europa Oil and Gas in its endeavour to connect the Corrib gas field in Erris to the recently discovered Inishkea field.

This decision was made during a meeting of the council's Economic Development Planning and the Marine strategic policy committee held in Ballina and chaired by local Independent Councillor Mark Duffy.

The elected members gave a strong endorsement to this ambitious project, which has its fair share of supporters and critics.

Fianna Fáil councillors Al McDonnell and Martin McLoughlin, along with Fine Gael's Jarlath Munnelly, were among those lending their support, as did Councillor Duffy.

However, not everyone present at the meeting was in favour of this project.

Maura Harrington, a well-known activist and anti-fossil fuel campaigner from Erris, voiced her concerns.

She highlighted that Europa Oil and Gas has faced challenges in attracting significant investments, citing the global shift away from fossil fuels as a primary reason.

Jerry MacEvilly, head of policy with Friends of the Earth, was also present to oppose the plan to connect future gas pipelines.

MacEvilly remarked the importance of focusing on renewable energy sources rather than investing further in fossil fuels.

He pointed out that specific climate reduction targets set for 2030 are at odds with this proposal.

Moreover, he underlined that Ireland's energy security won't be compromised when the Corrib gas field expires.

Contrary to the common misconception that Ireland heavily relies on “Russian gas at the end of a very long pipeline," Ireland primarily sources its gas from the North Sea gas fields via Scotland, he stated.

Europa Oil and Gas believes that the Mayo field, connected through the Ballinaboy terminal, could potentially provide 60% of Ireland's energy needs.

However, Mr. MacEvilly argued that this would not necessarily translate into financial benefits for locals or consumers who would continue to pay market rates for gas, regardless of its origin.

Maura Harrington took a firm stance against supporting another phase for Europa Oil and Gas, highlighting that the company lacks the involvement of any "oil or gas company."

She expressed skepticism about Europa's ability to meet the proposed timeline of November 2024, given their financial and governmental challenges.

Ms. Harrington protested Minister Eamon Ryan on this matter in July when he was in Ballina for the Mary Robinson Climate Conference.

To illustrate her point regarding light pollution, Ms. Harrington brought a pamphlet from the Mayo Dark Skies, an area in West Mayo known for having Europe's clearest skies.

She lamented the impact of the “gas polluting and light-polluting terminal in Ballinaboy”, which affects the region's natural beauty.

Councillor Al McDonnell urged Mr. MacEvilly and Ms. Harrington to advocate for renewable energy alternatives rather than advocating for simply shutting off all gas sources.

His point was that a transition to renewables should be a well-planned and gradual process.

Councillor Munnelly, Councillor McLoughlin, and Councillor Duffy all spoke on the urgency of addressing climate breakdown and its associated dangers.

Councillor McLoughlin quoted Brian O'Cathain of Europa Oil and Gas, suggesting that the current situation required different approaches compared to the past when massive infrastructural work was needed to get the plant up and running.

Hugh Rouse, representing the Ballina Chamber of Commerce, expressed his endorsement of the project.

He invoked the spirit of "build and they will come," echoing the sentiments of Monsignor James Horan from the historic construction of Knock Airport.

Mr. Rouse highlighted the financial challenges faced by local hoteliers in terms of heating pools and maintaining adequate lighting.

While acknowledging the gravity of climate collapse and its impacts on air quality, ecosystems and biodiversity loss, Councillor Duffy sided with his fellow councillors in the view the necessary technology may not be available in time to ensure Ireland's energy security.

As such, he favoured continuing with the proposal and a motion was passed to write a letter to Taoiseach Leo Varadkar in support of the Europa Oil and Gas proposal.

The Connaught Telegrpah reported in July that a lack of government support is hampering the multi-million-euro gas field project off north Mayo.

The Inishkea and Inishkea West field would extend the life of the Bellanaboy gas terminal by at least 15 years, preserving up to 180 jobs.

There are hopes that a well will be drilled in 2025, at a cost of €50 million, with gas to be flowing by 2028.

The site in question is beside the Corrib field. The Inishkea name does not reflect its actual position - it's 200km out to sea.

A presentation by Brian Ó Catháin on behalf of Europa Oil and Gas received a positive response from members of Mayo County Council's Economic Development, Enterprise Support, Planning and Marine Strategic Policy Committee.

However, he described the government as being 'lukewarm' about the project, making it difficult to attract investors.