Corrib Gas Development
Project Monitoring Committee

 

Minutes of the Project Monitoring Committee Meeting held on 26th September, 2007 at 11.00 am in the Civic Centre, Belmullet, Co. Mayo

 

 

Chairman:                 Mr. D. Mahon, County Manager

 

Present:                      Ms. Agnes McLaverty, Shell E & P. Ireland Limited
                                    Mr. Gerry Costello, Shell E & P Ireland Limited

                                    Mr. Tony Doyle, Shell E & P Ireland Limited

                                    Mr. Nicholas Whyte, Community Representative

                                    Mr. Chris Tallott, Community Representative

            Garda Peter Murray, An Garda Síochana
                        Mr. Enda McDonagh, Bord na Móna

                                    Mr. Paddy Mahon, Mayo County Council Project Manager
                                    Mr. Peter Hynes, Mayo County Council
                                    Mr. Vincent Roche, North Western Regional Fisheries Board

                                    Mr. Gerard McDonnell, Community Representative

                                    Mr. Brendan Butler, Shell E & P. Ireland Limited

                                    Mr. Dick McKeever, Dept. CMNR

                                    Mr. Ciáran Ó hÓbain, Dept. CENR



Apologies:                  Mr. Ray Smith, Environmental Protection Agency

Mr. Denis Strong, National Parks & Wildlife Service

Mr. John Coll, Director of Services, Mayo County Council

                                   

In Attendance:           Ms. Jackie Denning, Mayo County Council

 

 

1.                  Minutes

 

The Minutes of the Project Monitoring Committee Meeting held on 18th July 2007 and already circulated, were approved having been proposed by Mr. Costello and seconded by Mr. P. Hynes.

 

 

2.                  Matters arising

 

There were no matters arising.

 

3.                  Water Quality – Carrowmore Lake

 

Mr. P. Mahon updated the meeting on the position regarding the water quality of Carrowmore Lake as set out in report and summary of analysis circulated to the meeting – copy of which is available on the Mayo County Council’s website – www.mayococo.ie   There were no further items raised relating to the water quality of Carrowmore Lake.

 

 

4.                  Updates:

 

·         Roadworks/Transportation

Mr. P. Mahon informed the meeting that there was nothing major to report, all roadworks are complete.

 

·         Bord na Móna

Mr. McDonagh indicated that monitoring of the Shrahmore Peat Repository is ongoing and he updated the meeting as set out in report circulated also available on www.mayococo.ie .  He also circulated handout on the ‘Peat Deposition Project’, also available on www.mayococo.ie

 

Item No. 9:  Mr. Mc Donnell raised a local issue regarding the ‘Shrahmore Peat Repository Site’ on behalf of the Cloontakilla residents who feel the roadway into the site should be either kept as a walkway or used as a Driver Learner Area for local students.  Mr. Mc Donagh advised that the decision on the roadway structure lies with the EPA who will decide on whether it can remain.   The roadway must stay in place for a minimum of 3 years before it can removed in any case.

 

 

5.         Update on Terminal

 

Mr. Butler outlined the position on works undertaken and also the outlook for September 2007 onwards at the Bellanaboy Bridge Site, as set out in report dated 26th September circulated to the meeting  - copy of which is available on www.mayococo.ie    Mr. Doyle outlined the position on environmental issues at the Bellanaboy Bridge Site as set out in the report dated 26th September 2007 circulated and also available on www.mayococo.ie

 

Item No. 9: Mr. Mc Donnell raised issue on behalf of the community regarding security at the terminal as recent incidents of people climbing gates and entering the terminal posed a threat to workers.    Mr. Butler advised the meeting that there is an increased security level and Shell are working to improve the situation.

 

 

6.         Environmental Issues

 

Mr. P. Mahon outlined the position on environmental issues at the Bellanaboy Site as set out in report available on www.mayococo.ie

 

 

7.         Community Fund

 

Mr. P Mahon informed the meeting of the current position regarding the Peat Haulage Community Fund as set on in report available on www.mayococo.ie . 

 

 

8.         Court Cases

 

Mr. Costello indicated that the judgment of Judge Laffoy on 18th April, 2007 dealt with Shell’s application to discontinue its claims in the legal proceedings.  The judgement made no findings as to the validity or otherwise of the current s.40 Gas Act pipeline consent or the CAOs.  These are issues that remain to be determined in the case.

 

 

9.         Local Issues

 

·         Undergrounding of Eircom cables

Mr. Costello confirmed that there was a meeting today relating to this, update for next meeting of the PMC.

 

·         Replies from queries from the public

Mr. Mc Donnell raised the following issues:

v     Complimented Shell on the employment of over fifty people from the Kilcommon area & urged Shell to continue employment of local people on site.

v     He is not taking phonecalls relating to the project from certain members of the Shell to Sea campaign but would follow up e mail/correspondence queries.

v     Carrowmore Water to Glenamoy – The Chairman confirmed that this features in the latest Water Services Investment Programme.

v     An Taisce’s role in the project not being seen by some members of the Community as working independently – Mr. Costello confirmed that RPS are to meet with An Taisce soon.

v     Corrib Gas Update – June Edition – Community requested further information relating to article – Ms. Mc Laverty will contact Mr. Mc Donnell directly.

v     Newsletter from the Community Representatives informing the community on their role on the PMC and EMG will be going out soon through County Development Board.

 

 

10.       Any other business

 

Mr. Tallot congratulated all involved in the peat removal and urged Shell to employ local people where possible on site

 

Mr. Mc Donnell suggested a nominee from Kilcommon should be considered for the Investment Fund Advisory Board Committee. Mr. Costello advised that this would be considered.

 

Mr. Hynes concluded that in relation to Carrowmore Lake a clear message must be delievered to Communities that there is no cause for concern with drinking water, as evidence from monitoring verifies. 

 

Ms. Mc Laverty circulated copies of Corrib Onshore Gas Pipeline, Community Update September 2007 which were posted to all households in the region last week.

 

It was agreed to hold the next meeting of the PMC on the Terminal Site on Wednesday 14th November, 2007 at 11am.

 

Mr. Costello will arrange for a site visit on the day.

 

 

This concluded the business of the meeting.