Report says Corrib pipeline poses unacceptable risk

The Corrib gas pipeline could pose a real risk to the local population in north Co Mayo, according to a new body set up to investigate matters of public importance.

In a report published today, the Centre for Public Inquiry said the pipeline being constructed by the global oil firm Shell would pose a real risk of failure if it were operating at extremely high pressures.

The report, which was drawn up by US consultant Richard Kuprewicz, said the pipeline was unacceptably close to homes in the Rossport area.

Many local residents oppose the construction of the pipeline and want gas from the Corrib field to be pumped to an offshore location rather than directly onshore.

Five Co Mayo men spent more than three months in prison earlier this year for failing to obey a court injunction ordering them not to obstruct work on the facility.