Corrib gas field - Nation needs work to start on pipeline

IN light of the safety report conducted on behalf of the Government, it is in the national interest that development of the Corrib gas field should immediately go ahead.

The outcome of the investigation is a resounding vindication of Mayo residents who have gone to jail in support of their cause.

Effectively, they have won the argument that gas be piped ashore at considerably less pressure than Shell had originally proposed.

Significantly, this will greatly reduce the risk of accident or injury along its route.

Given the urgency of establishing national energy security, we can ill-afford the luxury of interminable debate on whether Corrib gas ought to be processed onshore or in hostile deep water conditions.

The sooner supplies start flowing the better it will be for Ireland.