These issues fall within the responsibility of Shell E& P Ireland Limited, the developers of the Corrib project. In my consideration and appraisal of the pipeline proposal, I commissioned a technical evaluation of the onshore pipeline. The evaluation, entitled Corrib Gas Pipeline Project, Report on Evaluation of the Onshore Pipeline, Design Code, was carried out by a pipeline technical expert, Mr. Andrew Johnson.
Mr. Johnson's report stated that the onshore pipeline design code has been selected in accordance with best public safety considerations and is appropriate for the pipeline operating conditions. Subject to the developers undertaking to comply with a number of conditions laid down in approval and consents granted by my Department, the design is generally in accordance with best national and international industry practice and the pipeline is considered to meet public safety requirements. Copies of Mr. Johnson's report were issued on request.