Project Monitoring Committee
Minutes of the Project Monitoring Committee Meeting held on 14th November 2007 at 11.00 am in Áras an Chontae, Castlebar
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. Brendan Butler, Shell E & P. Ireland Limited
Mr. Seamus Gaughan, Community Representative
Mr. Ray Smith, Environmental Protection Agency
Garda Peter
Murray, An Garda Síochana
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. Dick McKeever, Dept.Agriculture, Fisheries & Food Mr. Ciáran Ó hÓbain, Dept. CENR
Mr. Denis Strong, National Parks & Wildlife Service
Mr. Richard Cosgrove, Bord na Móna
Apologies: Mr. Enda McDonagh, Bord na Móna
Mr. Nicholas Whyte, Community Representative
In Attendance: Ms. Muriel Finnerty, Mayo County Council
1. Minutes
The Minutes of the Project Monitoring Committee Meeting held on 26th September 2007, and already circulated, were approved having been proposed by Mr. McDonnell and seconded by Mr. Costello.
2. Matters arising
There were no matters arising.
3. Water Quality – Carrowmore Lake
Mr. P. Mahon outlined the up to date position in relation to water quality in Carrowmore Lake as set out in report and results of analysis circulated (copy of which are available on Mayo County Council’s website – www.mayococo.ie).
He indicated that Mayo County Council’s Project Team has continued to monitor the surface waters in and around the Bellanaboy site. The results show that any discharge of surface water from the Terminal Site has had no adverse impact on the water quality in Carrowmore Lake or on the quality of drinking water produced at the Erris Regional Water Supply Scheme at Barnatra.
4. Updates
· Group Water Scheme Extension to Glenamoy
Mr. P. Mahon informed the meeting that as this Scheme is included in the 2007-2008 Water Services Investment Programme, Mayo County Council will shortly make a submission to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government for funding, and it is hoped that these works will be carried out in 2008. Mr. McDonnell undertook to inform the local community of the position.
· Roadworks / Transportation
Mr. P. Mahon informed the meeting that transportation is going in accordance with the Transport Management Plan.
· Bord na Móna
Mr. Cosgrove outlined the current position on the Shrahmore Peat Repository as set out in report circulated – copy of which is available on www.mayococo.ie. He informed the meeting that environmental monitoring and compliance will continue while a stability assessment of the deposited peat will be undertaken shortly.
5. Update on Terminal
Mr. Butler outlined the up to date position on the Bellanaboy Bridge Site as set out in report circulated to the meeting – copy of which is available on www.mayococo.ie Mr. Butler undertook to discuss employment numbers on site with Mr. McDonnell.
6. Environmental Issues
Mr. Doyle updated the meeting on environmental issues as set out in report circulated to the meeting on the Bellanaboy Bridge Site, and which is available on www.mayococo.ie
7. Community Fund
Mr. P. Mahon informed the meeting that the Evaluation Committee for the Community Fund had met during the summer and had approved schemes as set out in report circulated on the Corrib Gas Development – available on www.mayococo.ie The Chairman informed the meeting he had been in contact with Minister É Ó Cúiv’s office regarding funding and advised that Groups seeking funding should contact the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.
Mr. O’Donnell expressed appreciation to the Chairman and to Shell E & P Ireland for the funding made available for projects. He highlighted the fact that the Muinguinaun Group withdrew their application due to interference of Shell to Sea activists and consequently lost out on funding,
Mr. Hynes confirmed that Mayo County Council will provide technical assistance, as necessary, to enable the schemes as outlined to be undertaken.
Mr. Cosgrove, on behalf of the Bangor Angling Club, thanked the Committee for its support for their angling project.
8. Court Cases
Mr. Costello updated the meeting on the position regarding Court cases.
9. Local Issues
· Undergrounding of Eircom cables
Ms. McLaverty indicated that work, including commercial arrangements, had now been agreed with Eircom and the work will be undertaken shortly. Mr. McDonnell undertook to inform Ms. Muller of the position.
10. Any other business
Mr. McDonnell raised local issues:
· He informed the meeting that local people who undertook a recent visit of the Terminal Site considered it very beneficial and appreciated the opportunity to do so.
· He highlighted the annoyance felt locally at the protest held on 9th November 2008 and particularly at the number of outsiders involved.
· He complimented the Gardaí on the manner in which they handled the protest on 9th November last.
· He expressed the appreciation of the local community of Superintendent Joe Gannon’s support and assistance while working in the area.
The Chairman undertook to write to Superintendent Gannon thanking him for his work in the locality.
Mr. Gaughan outlined to the meeting details of the recent visit to Holland by members of the local community, at the invitation of Shell E & P Ireland, to view gas facilities there.
Mr. Costello informed the meeting that the Environmental Protection Agency had issued the IPPC Licence for the Terminal on 13th November 2007.
It was agreed that the next meeting of the PMC will be held in Belmullet on 12th December 2007.
This concluded the business of the meeting.