Support for continued exploration of north Mayo gas field
MAYO County Council is to write to the Taoiseach and the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications expressing support for the continued exploration of the Inishkea gas prospect off north Mayo.
The full council has supported a motion from their Economic Development, Enterprise Support, Planning and Marine Strategic Policy Committee (SPC) on the matter.
It was the view of the SPC that indigenous gas is becoming more and more important, as highlighted in the context of the Ukraine-Russian war and the carbon impact of importing gas.
In reaching their decision, the SPC heard from both Europa Oil, who are looking to extend their exploratory licence, which expires in January, and also from Friends of the Earth, who urged on the committee that the focus should be on non-fossil fuel energy sources.
The Inishkea field could link in with the existing Corrib gas infrastructure, being located a short distance from the existing field.
SPC chairman Councillor Mark Duffy told colleagues at the monthly full council meeting that the Inishkea extension could decrease the need to import gas, an energy source that Ireland will need well into the future.
Councillor Gerry Coyle said if there were plans to build a terminal for fracking it made sense to drill this well and bring the gas into Bellanaboy, with a stipulation that for every litre that will go through Mayo, the council will get a benefit from it.
The country is taking in gas from Siberia, down through the North Sea. One attack and it was 'lights out', he commented.
Cathaoirleach Councillor Michael Loftus said a connection for Belmullet should also be looked at if it proceeds.
SPC member Councillor Jarlath Munnelly said the environmental group Friends of the Earth had made some good points but on balance, the SPC felt this was 'the least worst option'.
They all wanted to get to a stage where they had full green energy. However, he commented, “We are in a transition period.”
This gas off the Mayo coast is needed.