Exporting of gas reserves a sell-out

FOLLOWING the recent landslide in north Mayo, it is not surprising that fresh controversy has erupted among local residents, fishermen, small farmers and politicians in the wake of new moves by Shell to get planning permission to build a gas terminal in the area.

With opinion sharply divided along safety, environmental and economic lines, the terminal at the centre of the row would process gas from the Corrib Field 70km off the Mayo coast.

The proposed processing facility has already been the subject of a public hearing which saw Bord Pleanála reject an initial proposal from Shell EP Ireland.