A firm of consultants have been employed by Shell E&P Ireland Limited (SEPIL) to look at another route for the controversial Corrib Gas pipeline in Co Mayo.
Consultants RPS will work with SEPIL to facilitate a modified pipeline route with landowner agreement and community acceptance. Over the coming months RPS and SEPIL will hold further public meetings to focus on the pipeline.
Commenting on the appointment Mr Terry Nolan, deputy managing director for SEPIL, said: "They [RPS] are fully committed to help us find the best route for the onshore pipeline through a process of community consultation".
He added that he was hopeful that, through dialogue and communication, "we will find a modified pipeline route, and I urge everyone with an interest in this project to fully engage in the participatory process that will be announced in the coming weeks".
RPS worked with Bord Gáis on the 335-kilometre gas pipeline from Dublin to Galway and Limerick in 2002.