PDs back developing the Corrib gas field
A Government-appointed mediator is attempting to resolve a long-running dispute, which saw five local men serve more than three months in prison last year for breaching a High Court order halting a blockade of the construction of an inshore pipeline by Shell.
But the PDs yesterday urged the rapid development of the gas field as a key priority in its Power The Future discussion document on Irish energy.
Launching the blueprint, Dun Laoighre TD Fiona O’Malley said the field has the potential to supply 50% of Ireland’s gas needs and 15% of the country’s total energy needs.
She said the PDs fully supported the current efforts of mediator Peter Cassells.
“We have to find a solution. It is in the national interest. The potential that is there is huge,” she said.
Independent Co Mayo TD Jerry Cowley said the PD proposal was disgraceful and showed the party was divorced from reality.
“This inshore pipeline development cannot be railroaded through the communities of local people opposed to it and it’s irresponsible of the Government partners to make this their stated policy,” he added.
The 12-page PD document believes Ireland should aim to produce 20% of its energy from renewable sources by 2015.
The viability of that plan - and the degree to which the junior partner has influenced Government policy - will become evident next week when Communications Minister Noel Dempsey publishes his new energy proposals.
The Energy (Miscellaneous) (Provisions) Bill, 2006 will “drive forward a progressive energy agenda against a backdrop of a new global energy landscape with increasing demands on fuel resources,” he said.
He said it would provide a legislative basis for the creation of an all-island energy market, with a target of July 2007 for a single electricity market north and south.
The Commissioner of Energy Regulation, Regina Finn, has warned such a market would not necessarily lead to cheaper prices.
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