Shell Begins Onshore Pipeline Works Without Planning Permission.

mayo | environment | news report

Tuesday October 13, 2009 22:38

by Shelver - Rossport Solidarity Camp

Shell have begun work on the route of the onshore Corrib gas pipeline, without waiting for the verdict of the oral hearing into the application, which is due later this month.

Shell move into Aughoose

Yesterday morning heavy machinery moved into the bog in Aughoose, Pullathomas where Shell plan to make one of two pipeline crossings under Sruth Fhada Chonn Estuary SAC & SPA (Special Area of Conservation & Special Protected Area). Flatbed trucks delivered planks to the site which were then laid as a floating road on the bog to facilitate further work.

This is a pre-emptive move coming in the lead-up to Oct 23rd – when An Bord Pleanála is expected to give its verdict into the planning application for the modified onshore pipeline route. The site displayed no planning permission for work, and none was produced despite repeated requests from concerned locals.

Shell’s private security firm IRMS were once more deployed, initially without identification - contrary to the rules of the PSA (Private Security Authority). While workers and security were ignoring any attempts at communication, a flat bed truck began backing towards people who had earlier gathered on the public road. At the same time IRMS personnel formed a barrier behind the truck and advanced pushing people before them. One security guard began filming these people on the road against their wishes.

After failing to establish communications with the workers onsite, An Bord Pleanála were contacted and confirmed that no verdict for the onshore pipeline had been given. In order to legally begin work crossing the estuary, Shell should also be waiting to be granted a Foreshore Licence. Submissions to the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on the foreshore licence application close this week.

As the Corrib gas project has been split into three parts, work on the refinery is advancing and the offshore pipeline has been laid while no permission yet exists for the 9km onshore pipeline from landfall at Glengad to the refinery site in Bellinaboy.

IRMS without ID again