While the initial environmental management plan was drawn up in 2002 by the developers of the Corrib Gas pipeline based on its construction plan proposals at the time, this has always been classified as an organic and evolving document. As the development work progresses the plan will be updated in discussion with my Department, other Departments and the Corrib gas field environment monitoring group set up by the then Minister as a condition of the plan of development approval and the consent to construct pipeline. I will have a copy of the original environmental management plan forwarded to the Deputy directly.
The pipeline construction method statements in so far as they relate to issues that fall within the responsibility of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government are matters between Shell E&P Ireland Limited and the National Parks and Wildlife Service, formerly Dúchas, of that Department and my Department is not aware of what has been approved between them.
The condition relating to monitoring programmes states that prior to construction commencing, the developer shall provide to the satisfaction of the Minister, details of monitoring programmes to be undertaken. With the project moving to development stage, officials of my Department are in discussion with the developers, in regard to the various monitoring plans and programmes required.
As regards the traffic management plan, a copy of the construction traffic management plan, as included in the environmental management plan, was provided to Mayo County Council on 9 July 2003. A revised traffic management plan is to issue shortly for 2004-05. This will be subject to review by Mayo County Council before it is submitted to my Department.
