Corrib gas begins flowing

Natural gas has started to flow today from Ireland's Corrib gas field.

Located 83kms off the Mayo coastline in water depths of almost 350 metres, the Corrib gas field lies approximately 3,000 metres below the seabed.

Six wells have been drilled at the Corrib field with gas transported to the Bellanaboy Bridge Gas Terminal in Mayo through a 20 inch pipeline.

The gas is processed at Bellanaboy before it is transferred into the Gas Networks Ireland (GNI) network, which delivers it to Irish gas consumers.

Shell E&P Ireland Limited Managing Director, Ronan Deasy confirmed to Midwest News today that 175 long term jobs will be associated with the facility in Bellanaboy.

“Today’s announcement is a positive step for our gas portfolio,” said Andy Brown, Shell’s Upstream International Director.

“It is also good news for Ireland as the provision of Corrib gas improves security of supply for the Irish energy market. Delivering gas from Corrib will bring many long term benefits to the Irish economy and consumers.”