The extent to which the proposed gas terminal at Bellanaboy Bridge, north Mayo, will be visible to the naked eye, was carefully scrutinised by an inspector for An Bord Pleanála yesterday.
Mr Kevin Moore, presiding over day two of the re-convened oral hearing in Ballina into the gas terminal, cross-examined representatives from Enterprise Energy Ireland (EEI) on the issue in an attempt to assess the visual impact of the proposed 50-acre plant.
The inspector noted that new photo evidence - submitted by EEI since the first stage of the hearing in February last - assigned different co-ordinates to plant facilities.
"The terminal foot print appeared to have moved," he said.
Conifer trees previously described as being seven meters in height were also newly assigned an average height of 16 meters, he said.
Mr Enda Keane, a forester on behalf of EEI, clarified that it was impossible to determine the height of all trees but, of the thousands providing natural screening in the Coilte plantation area, they range in height upwards to a maximum 16.2 meters.
These would not be sufficiently tall to obscure the entire plant facility, particularly the telecommunications mast and plant flare. Natural screening is also provided by wild rhododendrons and vegetation in the area, it was stated.
Objectors to the proposed development, who include representatives from local farming and fishing organisations, An Taisce and Dúchas, who are in attendance at the ongoing oral hearing, have not yet been allowed to cross examine EEI on its submissions.
Mayo County Council, which granted planning permission for the terminal in August 2001 and is now the subject of the appeal to An Bord Pleanála, is also due to make a submission.
At tomorrow's sitting, the inspector is to address the issue of the proposed removal of 600,000 cubic meters of peat from the area and the effect such a measure would have on stability.
The controversial aspect of health and safety is also to be addressed by representatives of the Health & Safety Authority.
Meanwhile, Mr Andy Pyle, managing director of EEI said: "Health and safety concerns played a key role in the choosing of the route for the eight mile pipeline to the terminal and this has been subject to detailed review by the Government authorities prior to the granting of consent to build the pipeline. EEI also categorically rejects any allegation that local people have been pressurised to sign their property over to oil executives," he said.