Corrib project planning and safety
Ó Caoláin raised safety concerns about the Corrib gas terminal and peat stacking, and warned that fast-tracking major projects could undermine proper consideration. The Taoiseach said planning was independent and companies had to follow the established process; Ó Caoláin then asked what revenue the project would bring the Exchequer.
It is the issue of the matters discussed with Shell while it is seeking planning permission for its project that is inappropriate. Does the decision by An Bord Pleanála on the gas terminal in west Mayo not now prove to have been the correct one given the serious events at Pullathomas, County Mayo, and verification of the disastrous proposals on the stacking of peat where the safest methods for dealing with various difficulties that would arise in terms of the development were clearly not signalled? Is what the Taoiseach is now proposing a fast-tracking of major projects which will deny interested communities and concerned sectors of society the opportunity to properly utilise the planning process?
While we all wish to see faster processing of planning applications, we cannot do so by sacrificing the importance of the system in ensuring the highest standards of safety and health considerations irrespective of the scale of the proposal.
Comment on this
It is because the Taoiseach regards scale as critical in making the difference that I believe he is heading on a dangerous course.
Comment on this
The planning decision on the Corrib field has already been made. Shell and all other companies which I have met are well aware of the planning process in this country. They know it is independent and that they must go through the various stages involved. Companies like Shell which make large scale investments involving millions of euro need to know the timescale involved in the process as the period in offshore work is very limited. They asked questions about the new Bill and current planning laws. They are aware of the process and were not interested in asking me to make representations on their behalf. The process has been a costly one for them. They are not interested in influencing anybody in that regard. For anyone to suggest they were seeking assistance from Government is totally incorrect. Shell has already invested several hundreds of millions of euro here. Its application has been rejected and it must now start again or not bother to go ahead with the project. It is entirely appropriate for me to meet such companies to answer their questions, and I hope that will continue to be the position.
Comment on this
What did the Taoiseach expect to accrue to the Exchequer?