Setback for Corrib pipeline as revised licence is quashed

The Corrib gas pipeline site at Ballinaboy, Co Mayo

Tim Healy

October 16 2013 04:02 AM

THE Shell Corrib gas pipeline project has suffered a setback after a court quashed a revised licence issued for the refinery terminal.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had issued the revised licence for the site at Ballinaboy, Co Mayo, last June, which would have allowed the company to begin constructing a new gas terminal infrastructure.

However, it has now accepted that there were defects in relation to how an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) concerning the terminal development was carried out.

It conceded in the Commercial Court yesterday that, as a result, local resident Martin Harrington was entitled to a quashing order.

However, last night Shell E&P Ireland Limited (SEPIL), which was a third party in the action, downplayed the significance of the setback.

In a statement, SEPIL said that the legal challenge related to the process followed by the EPA in connection with a 2007 application for changes to be made to their licence.

"The review application was for minor changes to the licensed activity," said SEPIL.

"The developments in court will be examined by SEPIL and, following consultation with the relevant bodies, SEPIL fully anticipates the required licences will be in place for First Gas."

Yesterday, Mr Justice Peter Kelly granted the order to Mr Harrington, Doohoma, Ballina, Co Mayo, after the EPA said it was not opposing his legal challenge to the revised IPPC licence issued by the agency to Shell E& P Ireland. The EPA will also pay Mr Harrington's legal costs.