I have organised no meetings regarding the proposed development of the Corrib gas field in the past year.
The Deputy will be aware from previous replies that the Corrib gas field project has been the subject of lengthy planning processes over the past two years. These processes are not complete and An Bord Pleanála is currently considering a number of objections lodged following the granting of planning permission by Mayo County Council in respect of the proposed gas terminal at Bellanaboy. No representations have been made to me by the developers over the past year seeking meetings with me in respect of any aspects of the Corrib development.
A meeting took place on 19 September 2003 at which the Taoiseach and a number of Ministers were present. This meeting was requested by Shell. The Shell representatives took the opportunity to brief the Taoiseach and Ministers on the then state of the project and the concerns of the company regarding the planning and appeal process regarding the Bellanaboy site. No other meetings between the company and myself have occurred in the period referred to in the question. In the past year my Department has had a total of six meetings with Shell regarding the Corrib development.