30 Samh 2011, 16:10
Members of the Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Natural Resources and Agriculture heard from community groups with deeply held views on Ireland’s offshore exploration yesterday Tuesday 29 November.
Speaking after the meeting, Committee Chairman, Andrew Doyle, TD said: “Offshore exploration of oil and gas resources is a priority issue for this Committee. This timely meeting allowed Committee members, in good faith, engage with community groups representing a range of opinion on the Corrib gas project in Co Mayo.
“Pobal le Chéile and Pobal Chill Chomáin oppose the project in Erris in its current form. The Committee listened to their grievances, what lessons can be learned from their experience and how the mistakes of the past can be averted though greater community consultation and consent in future projects.
“The Committee also heard from representatives from the Council for the West and Pro Gas Mayo, who favour the pipeline’s construction. Both groups presently forcefully on the economic imperative for fostering an indigenous oil and gas industry.
“The Committee gained greatly by hearing first-hand the sincerely held positions from the Co Mayo groups and is examining how best to develop our natural resources with minimum impact on local communities. The Committee intends to publish a report and recommendations on an issue critical to Ireland’s future prosperity and sustainability.”
Ends
For further information please contact:
Paul Hand,
Houses of the Oireachtas,
Communications Unit,
Leinster House,
Dublin 2
P: +3531 618 4484
F: +3531 618 4551
paul.hand@oireachtas.ie
Committee Membership
Deputies
Tom Barry, Fine Gael
Michael Colreavy, Sinn Fein
Pat Deering, Fine Gael
Robert Dowds, Labour Party
Andrew Doyle, Fine Gael
Martin Ferris, Sinn Fein
Noel Harrington, Fine Gael
Martin Heydon, Fine Gael
Colm Keaveney, Labour Party
Mattie McGrath, Independent
Michael McNamara, Labour Party
Michael Moynihan, Fianna Fail
Éamon Ó Cuív, Fianna Fail
John O’Mahony, Fine Gael
Thomas Pringle, Independent
Senators
Michael Comiskey, Fine Gael
Paschal Mooney, Fianna Fail
Pat O’Neill, Fine Gael
Mary Ann O’Brien, Labour Party
Brian Ó Domhnaill, Fianna Fail
John Whelan, Labour Party