The Local Planet sent a number of questions to Shell to give the company the opportunity to present their viewpoint on the Rossport Controversey. For the other side of this story see "Shell / Broadhaven /Rossport : The Story"

Questions were answered by Mark Carrigy,
Operations Manager, Corrib Gas Project.

Following are our questions together with Shell's answers.

Do you believe the media coverage of the story to date has been fair and balanced? If not could you explain?

Some of the media coverage has been fair and other coverage has not. The problem has been is that there has been a large amount of misinformation placed in the public domain in relation to the Corrib project and the pipeline in question. This misinformation is left unchallenged and goes as fact, thereby spreading fear amongst the local community.

Common examples of these include the pressure of the pipeline, in which those that oppose the project consistently state that the pressure is at 345bar. This is incorrect as the pressure will run between 120-150bar and after three years it will be at a similar pressure to that of gas distribution pipelines that run throughout Ireland.

The relentless campaign of misinformation has extended to every aspect of this project and has been difficult for us to correct this misinformation as it is commonly perceived as fact.

Had Shell anticipated that the ‘Rossport’ development would become such a big national issue, what would it have done differently?

It is impossible to predict future outcomes. The reality of the situation was that the Corrib project went through one of the most exhaustive and rigorous regulatory process in the history of the State. During which all concerns and queries were thoroughly examined by the relevant State agencies. In the end after 7 years and a record 22 days of oral hearings the project was given the necessary consents by the relevant authorities.

However we still faced obstruction from the men in prison. We again tried to negotiate with them, however these attempts were again refuted.

The current situation is very difficult but we believe that what is needed most at this time is calm and reasoned dialogue between Shell and the landowners. We would like to use such an opportunity to put all the facts before them and to work through their concerns with detailed responses.

There are only 5 men publicly in the quarrel: have the other residents in the area been co-operative?

We have received cooperation from many residents and local residents groups. A large majority of this community want the Corrib project to be built as they recognise the benefits it can bring to the area.

Before the men went to jail we had over 300 people working on the sites in North Mayo. Due to the current blockade of the sites by the protestors and the fact that we couldn’t get any work done we had let all these people go. That was a sizeable blow to this community.

We recognise that the situation has been difficult for the men, their families but also for the community. At times like these it is important that we all work together and over the past months I have been meeting with local people in small groups to see how we can progress things.

Why do you think the objections were not made at the time of the initial plan? Was there enough public consultation at the time, or was public awareness simply not raised to the required level?

The Corrib project went through the most exhaustive public consultation process in the history of the State. All of the concerns that have been raised due to recent events were dealt with rigorously in this consultation process. Unfortunately those now objecting did not accept the result of this process.

I believe awareness was raised to the required level as there was large participation from the whole community in the public consultation process and those that had concerns had them fully addressed.

Do you consider that the Rossports five’s arguments should not be with Shell in the first place, but with the Government over the exemption of planning permission for exploration/pipelines allowed for in the relevant Gas Act?

The relevant Gas acts have regulated the gas distribution system throughout Ireland for many years and this will include the Corrib project. The Government has put in place the third independent safety review of the onshore pipeline, the public consultation process and the current oral hearings. All of these factors ensure that we have an opportunity now to ensure a world-class facility can that be of such benefit to Mayo and Ireland can be built.

Is Mayo County Council fully in support of building of the facility on land, and if so has this support been maintained in the glare of publicity?

I believe that Mayo County Council is in full of support of the facility being built on land. Alternatives to the onshore terminal were fully considered as part of the planning process and the current development concept was considered to be optimal. The project is included in their plan of development and is recognised as an important infrastructural project that will benefit Mayo.

Some opponents have expressed concern regarding the distance of the pipeline from existing dwellings. Do you believe there is any risk to residents?

In life there is risk with everything, driving a car or getting on an airplane involves risk. The same applies to pipelines. The possibility of an incident occurring with this pipeline is minute. The pipeline is designed to a very high standard and is nearly three times as thick as a Bord Gais pipeline.

Gas pipelines remain the most common and safest way to transport gas in Ireland and countries all over the world in a wide range of conditions, environments, terrains and in many different pressures.

The reason why the safety record of pipelines is so good is that the issue of safety is at the forefront of pipeline design. The Corrib gas pipeline is no exception to this and is designed and will be built and operated to world-class standards.

Will the terminal create employment locally and if so, what are the numbers?
Not just the terminal but also the entire Corrib project will create employment locally both directly and indirectly.

During construction phase up to 1,000 people are needed as are a large number of local services across all sectors. In the long term 50 permanent jobs will be created in the locality. To date we have received a high number of applicants for these positions from the West of Ireland.
We have earmarked three million euros to train local people and these people will be sent for training to onshore and offshore operations in countries such as Norway, Holland, and the Philippines.

The fact is that this area is economically depressed and the Corrib project can provide direct employment and multiple spin offs throughout the local economy. If we were to go to sea as is demanded by those against the project the truth is that we would not see these spin offs or have such direct employment.

Also the Corrib project is of strategic national importance to the Irish economy. The project is one of the largest ever private inward investments in the State at almost €1 billion. To date over €600 million has already been invested in the project. At peak production it has the potential to supply 60% of indigenous gas supply.

Has the saga impacted on Shell/Statoil partnership?

No it has not. Statoil is firmly behind Shell on this project and is in agreement with how we proceed.

Do you believe that Shell has been unfairly associated with other oil companies who have poor environmental records and who have abused indigenous peoples rights?

In this issue there is the obvious jump to the large multinational against the local men. The Corrib project is often judged according to other developments worldwide and this is extremely unfair. As the operations manger of this project I know first hand the lengths we have gone to ensure that the concerns of the men were addressed. This is a world-class project that will be built and operated to the highest standards.

Thanks to Mark and Shell for their cooperation