Eire : Shell - League unimpressed by new route for Mayo pipeline
The Celtic League has written to the Irish government to say that it is unimpressed by the announcement by Shell and Statoil that they will reroute their controversial gas pipeline in North Mayo.
The Leagues General Secretary, Rhisiart Tal-e-bot, has told John Gormley TD, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government that there appears to be little evidence of community involvement in the decision making process which determined the new route.
The League have also reminded Minister Gormley that Ireland is a signatory to the Aarhus Convention (The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters) and that Ireland is in breach of its obligations under the Convention.
"Dear Minister Gormley
New pipeline route by Shell and Statoil
I am writing to you following the announcement last week of a new route for a Shell and Statoil gas pipeline through the communities of Rossport and Kilcommon.
It is clear from the proposal that the new route will put the people of Kilcommon in particular at considerable risk should anything go wrong with the pipe. It seems as though the people of County Mayo have very little influence when it comes to environmental developments within their communities, which runs contrary to your own Green Party ideology.
The original gas pipeline route was indeed a mistake, but this decision could be put down to the different political priorities of your predecessor. However, as a prominent member of the Green Party, we are indeed dismayed and surprised by your seemingly lack of principle in this matter and in consideration of your party's' policies. It is obvious that there is very little support for any production pipeline and inland oil refinery in the County Mayo communities, but yet the Government seems intent to allow Shell a free reign to push ahead with any plans they may have, regardless of public opposition to their plans.
On a specific point, we are aware that the Irish Government is a signatory to the Aarhus Convention, giving people the right to participate in environmental decision making. However, we cannot see how the Convention has been employed in this particular case and would be grateful to learn if it was in any way.
The Celtic League is concerned that Shell is treading on the toes of local democracy and public opinion and that the Green Party's principle of subsidiarity has flown out of the window now that it is has formed a coalition Government with Fianna Fail
We would sincerely be interested to know what your views are on this subject.
Yours sincerely
Rhisiart Tal-e-bot"
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Detail on the Aarhus Convention here :
Full text of the Convention here :
J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League
21/04/08
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