Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 June 2004
12 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the meetings he has had in the past year regarding the development of the Corrib gas field; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19292/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraI 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.
What assurances has the Minister of State given to the developers, Shell, prior to the matter going to An Bord Pleanála? Has he met objectors and environmental groups in Mayo during the past two years? I understand the Minister of State said he had no meetings with the developers but has he met any of the environmental groups in Mayo and, if so, did he give them any undertakings? When is it expected the matter will come back from An Bord Pleanála? If the outcome of the planning issues is positive for developers what will be the next step for the Department?
I did not make any commitments to Shell nor did I meet any of the environmental groups from Mayo. As the Deputy is aware, Shell submitted a planning application to Mayo County Council on 17 December 2003. Planning permission was granted by Mayo County Council on 30 April 2004 for a gas terminal with 75 conditions. The decision by Mayo County Council was appealed to An Bord Pleanála by 14 parties. Shell also lodged an appeal regarding some of the conditions. The matter is now with An Bord Pleanála and I have no intention of getting involved with that body. We await its decision.
Did any other public representatives from the county involved attend the meeting in December 2003?
At the meeting with the Taoiseach and the chief executive of Shell on 19 September 2003 were the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Deputy Dermot Ahern, and the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Cullen.
There was no public representative from the county involved at that meeting.
