Madam, - Leo Corcoran and Brian Coyle (Opinion & Analysis, October 25th) essentially argue for an alternative site for the Corrib Gas Terminal (though they do not endorse the Shell to Sea campaign's call for an offshore platform). Those of us here in Mayo who have witnessed the long, torturous planning process, which went to Bord Pleanála twice, would view such a developemnt with apprehension. And who is to say a new site would not attract the same problems that we now witness?
I feel that the present location, some distance inshore in a wooded area, is as good as ever will be found. I trust the company and our statutory agencies to ensure that no pollution will ensue. Last year it was the pipeline's safety that was the issue; now that is out of the equation, it is the terminal, the tax take, and so on.
After all, this argument concerns gas which is over 90 per cent pure and the procedures for bringing it ashore and processing it are the norm in most of the rest of the world.
The hysteria of some of the protesters - and of letter writers such as Philomena Sheridan (October 25th), who quotes PH Pearse's line "Mór mo náir, mo chlann féin a dhíol a mathair" - simply beggars belief. - Yours, etc,
BRENDAN CAFFERTY,
Ballina,
CO Mayo.