New laws ‘may fast-track Corrib pipeline’

THE controversial Shell gas pipeline in Mayo may be ‘fast-tracked’ under radical new planning laws according to anti-pipeline campaigners.

The leading partners in the Corrib gas project revealed plans to apply to an Bord Pleanala under the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006.

Shell wrote to planning chiefs on February 8, seeking a meeting. The alternative route for the 9km onshore pipe must also be considered by the Minister for Natural Resources, Noel Dempsey. However despite the two-fold system, objectors to the €1 billion gas project said yesterday the new legislation might in fact easily facilitate approval for the contentious pipeline.