Campaigners unimpressed by gas pipeline report

Campaigners battling to stop the Corrib gas pipeline in Mayo today claimed an independent review of the project had come up with a fairytale solution to real life problems.

As consultants suggested restricting pressure in the pipe to reduce the risk of leaks, Shell to Sea spokesman Dr Mark Garavan dismissed the report insisting it refused to examine the alternatives.

“They have Cinderella’s slipper and are trying to crack it on to one of the ugly sisters,” he said.

Dr Garavan claimed the terms of reference awarded to Advantica Consultants were too narrow.

“At the core of the Advantica recommendation is the belief that a technical solution can be found, and no such technical solution exists that is fail safe,” he said.

“They were not able to explore alternative design options, pipeline designs or routes. Because of that they were simply asking themselves now they have the pipeline on this route how can you make this as safe as possible.”

In a draft report on the hazards of the scheme, Advantica said the pipe would be fit for use if it was re-classified as suburban and pressure limited to 144 bar, half the level the pipe was designed for.

They insisted this would be a practical and effective measure to reduce risk.

Advantica also insisted the pipe was designed to meet or exceed appropriate standards and international best practice.

It stated proper consideration was given to safety issues in selecting the preferred design option and locations of the landfall, route and terminal in Bellanaboy.

Noel Dempsey, Natural Resources Minister, said the report showed the route, which is 70m from homes at some points, would be acceptable if changes were made.

“They find the route was acceptable, provided the recommendations they make are followed,” he said.

But he refused to speculate whether Shell would carry out the recommendations.

“That is a matter for Shell. This is only a draft report. Shell will make their response known as will everyone else,” he said.

“But it is fair that the report does say that the pipeline has been designed to meet or exceed best international practice and standards.”

The Advantica review is at odds with a report compiled for the Centre for Public Inquiry, headed by journalist Frank Connolly. But the minister claimed the CPI report was two thirds political.

A statement from Shel said the company was committed to addressing the concerns of local people.

“This is a detailed and thorough report that has taken three months to complete,” the energy giant said.

“SEPIL provided the authors of the independent safety review, Advantica, with all the information requested of them and fully co-operated with them at all times.

“Having engaged with, and listened to, the local community over the past weeks and months SEPIL recognises the sensitivities and concerns over the onshore pipeline and is committed to addressing them.”

Eamon Ryan, Green Party energy spokesperson, said the review demanded the pipeline be redesigned.

“While Shell and the Government will no doubt spin that the report comes out in their favour, it is clear that a major redesign of the pipeline should now take place,” Mr Ryan said.

“The recommendation that the pipeline should be built to a much stricter design code, suitable for a pipeline running through a suburban area, will surely mean that the whole pipeline design will have to be reviewed.”

Tommy Broughan, Labour Party spokesman on natural resources, said the review had failed to address the concerns of the people of Rossport.

“The report does not address the most serious concern of local residents, which is the proximity of the pipeline to the local population,” Mr Broughan said.