SHELL HAS BEGUN CONSTRUCTION WORK ON THE FINAL PART OF THE CORRIB GAS PROJECT TODAY.

THIS INVOLVES BUILDING AN 8 KM LONG ONSHORE PIPELINE, WHICH INCLUDES A 5 KM TUNNEL UNDER SRUWADDACON BAY. THIS LAST PHASE OF THE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO TAKE IN EXCESS OF TWO YEARS TO COMPLETE.

INITIALLY, IT INVOLVES THE SETTING UP OF A WORKS COMPOUND ON LANDS OWNED BY SHELL IN AUGHOOSE ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF SRUWADACCON BAY.

IN A STATEMENT THIS LUNCHTIME THE COMPANY SAYS IT HAS RECEIVED THE NECESSARY CONSENTS FOR THESE WORKS AND HAS FULFILLED THE RELEVANT PRE-COMMENCEMENT CONDITIONS AS SET OUT IN THE AN BORD PLEANÁLA PLANNING APPROVAL AND THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS, ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES CONSENTS.

IT SAYS ITS IS COMMITTED TO ENSURING THAT THIS FINAL CONSTRUCTION PHASE HAS THE LEAST POSSIBLE IMPACT ON THE LOCAL COMMUNITY. FIVE FULL-TIME COMMUNITY LIAISON OFFICERS ARE AVAILABLE TO DEAL WITH QUERIES FROM LOCAL RESIDENTS. THEY CAN BE CONTACTED THROUGH THE SHELL OFFICE IN BELMULLET OR VIA A FREEPHONE NUMBER WHICH HAS BEEN SET UP – 1800 201 525.