Ireland : Shell - New sS.A.C. work causes concern

We understand Shell E&P Ireland have received official approval to carry out exploratory boreholes in Sruwaddaccon Bay, a special area of conservation (SAC) in north Mayo. The work is part of its controversial development of a pipeline and terminal in the area as part of its exploitation of the offshore Corrib natural gas field.

The company have said that "geotechnical ground investigations" in Sruwaddaccon Bay will commence "shortly", stressing that it has been awarded a foreshore licence for the work by the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, Mary Coughlan.

The Company have said the licence covered the fact the area is an SAC and comes under the EU habitats directive. An environmental management plan would be put in place.

Last year the Corrib project came in for criticism when the Minister for Environment, John Gormley, issued a public reprimand to Shell following unauthorised works it undertook on an SAC at Glengad.

Shell to Sea campaigners are questioning the validity of these new works in a SAC.

The Celtic League General Secretary is also planning to write to the Irish government about the latest developments asking what guarantees are in place to ensure no lasting damage to the SAC.

See also Celtic News earlier items on this subject at:

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J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League

30/03/08