The controversial Corrib gas field plan off the Mayo coast has been granted approval on environmental grounds by a scientific vetting committee.
The report by the Marine Licence Vetting Committee was released yesterday by the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources, Mr Fahey, following a commitment given by him to locals in north Mayo. He said he expected to announce his decision shortly on the report's recommendations, which favour the offshore development subject to certain conditions.
Enterprise Energy Ireland (EEI), the gas field's principal developer, said it would be inappropriate to comment before the Minister's final decision. However, objectors to the project, including the Erris Inshore Fishermen's Association, expressed disappointment and warned that irrevocable damage would be done to the environment of Broadhaven Bay.
The committee is an independent scientific committee established by the Minister to consider the environmental implications of the Corrib gas field development, in the light of applications for a foreshore licence and pipeline.
The committee examined the environmental impact statements submitted by EEI and recommended the project should be given "relevant statutory permissions", with qualifications.
Among the principal conditions is a recommendation that the outfall point for the discharge pipeline should be extended from a proposed 6 km offshore to not less than 12 km. This would ensure that it was outside the candidate Special Area of Conservation in Broadhaven Bay.
It also says that the effluent should be treated using best available technology, subject to licensing by the Environmental Protection Agency.
The committee advises that Dúchas, the Heritage Service, be consulted on the methodology of pipelaying in Broadhaven Bay; and that an environmental management plan be drawn up for the Minister's approval. It says the Minister should set up an environmental monitoring group in consultation with Mayo County Council.