Shell loses Mayo gas terminal licence

Shell has lost its licence to operate the controversial Bellinaboy gas terminal in County Mayo.

The Environmental Protection Agency issued a licence to Shell in June, but the Commercial Court has rescinded the licence because of defects in carrying out an Environmental Impact Assessment.

Martin Harrington of Doohama, Ballina in County Mayo had sought to have the licence quashed.

He argued that the EPA had failed to carry out a proper environmental impact assessment before it granted Shell a licence to operate the gas refinery.

The EPA did not oppose the Mr Harrington's challenge and will now pay his legal costs.

Shell says it will consider today's court development, and that it fully anticipates the required licence will be in place when the pipeline goes into production.