We should not forget how our constitution was ignored when it came to Shell gas

Lest we forget!

When Shell starts to pump one trillion cubic feet of natural gas — a conservative estimate — from the Corrib Gasfield to God knows where, the return to the exchequer will be a pittance, if anything at all, thanks to the reckless negligence and betrayal of successive governments.

Signed away by Fianna Fáil and perpetuated by the outgoing government, the agreement also includes an undertaking to pay the company retrospective exploration and development charges.

Shell have stated that the ‘delays’ caused by the ‘hold-up’ in completing the terminal have cost the company €600m and will, no doubt be also trying to foist this upon the backs of Irish citizens.

“Corrib Gas, worth at a conservative estimate €6bn, was given away by the Government without any retention of state interest. The private multi-national oil companies will pay no royalties and with tax write-offs going back 25 years, they will pay no tax to this State.” (Shell to Sea).

So much for the common good espoused in our Constitution.

Joe Brennan

Ballinspittle

Co. Cork