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

Work site without planning permission

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Comments (1 of 1)

Deadline for Submissions against Foreshore Licence Application

by míol mór

Wed Oct 14, 2009 00:09

Deadline for submissions against Shell`s application for a Forshore Licence is on 18th of October, which is Sunday so submissions should be in by Friday of this week.

There is couple of good reasons to use in submissions such as that
- Shell is currently in contempt of court and remains so up to close of application period.
- The vessel used in site investigations upon which this application relies, the MV Eagle was operating without proper licence until brought to the attention of the relevant authorities by the local community.
- Given its global record (once more under Federal investigation in the US) the applicant is not a fit and proper entity to which a Licence may be granted having due regard to the principles of sustainable development and the common good.
- The application does not provide details of future extensification plans other than mention of an intervention pit (true purpose unspecified) which may be an indicator of such plans.
- The level of environmental destruction in SAC/SPA areas is in inverse proportion to serving local or national interests.
- The applicant has been in numerous breaches of consents, both current and previous, from 2002 to date and continues to show a reckless disregard towards the sensitive environment in which it has been allowed to operate.

Written submissions may be made to the

Department of Agriculture Fisheries and food,
Coastal Zone Management Division
Clogheen
Clonakilty
Co. Cork

Quoting Ref: MS56/11 vol. 20

in relation to the effects on the environment of the proposed development and may also include objections to or representations in relation to the grant of a Licence for the proposed works

Foreshore Licence Application
http://www.corribgaspipeline.com/index.php?page=foresho...ation

Public notice
http://www.corribgaspipeline.com/uploads/file/Foreshore...e.pdf

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Shell Begins Onshore Pipeline Works Without Planning Permission.

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