Corrib Gas Partners have the consent of the majority

The following are the reasons why the Corrib Gas Partners believe that the majority of the local community want this project to proceed at the present time:

Firstly Peter Cassells report, published in July, stated “It is clear a majority of people in Rossport, the wider Erris area and Co. Mayo are in favour of the project”. This report was compiled following a seven month mediation process during which Mr Cassells spoke with a wide cross-section of people in the local area and throughout Co. Mayo.

Secondly, when the Corrib Gas partners recently announced opportunities for work on the Bellanaboy terminal, a total of 45 companies from Erris and Co. Mayo expressed interest in this work. Currently there are approximately 90 people working on the terminal site of whom about 65 are from the Erris area.

Furthermore the Corrib Partners have received more than 300 enquiries from people seeking employment at Bellanaboy. Up to 700 jobs will be available once peat removal and terminal construction commences in 2007.

Thirdly, the Corrib Gas Partners have received widespread positive feedback from people in the local community following the resumption of work at Bellanaboy last week. There has been public support for the project from many elected community representatives as well as prominent business groups.

In addition to the above, as part of its ongoing programme of formal market research, Shell E&P Ireland (SEPIL) commissioned market research of its own prior to the return to work.

The results show clearly that a majority of people believe that SEPIL has been responsive to the local community over the past 12 months, that the majority favour the recommencement of work and that given the available options Corrib Gas should be processed at Bellanaboy gas terminal rather than be left untouched at sea.

The research shows that when ‘don’t knows’ are excluded, 7 out of 10 people in Co. Mayo support work recommencing on the project provided that the recommendations of the mediators report and the Independent Safety Review are implemented.

When “don’t knows” are excluded, two thirds of the people surveyed supported the onshore processing of gas by piping it to the Bellanaboy gas terminal.

Finally, the research concludes that a majority of almost four to one in Mayo believe that the Shell has been making an effort or a big effort to listen to the views of local people.

Commenting today Terry Nolan, SEPIL’s Mayo based Deputy Managing Director said: "No dispute has ever been resolved without dialogue. I fully recognize that some people remain opposed to the project. I still hope that those who have genuine concerns and objections will talk to us so that we can all find a solution that is good for Erris and Ireland".

Notes to editors:

· The research took place during the first half of September.

· The results have been certified by Milward Brown IMS one of Ireland’s longest established and most reputable market research companies.