Proceedings of the High Court - 16th January 2007

In the High Court today, Shell E&P Ireland Ltd (SEPIL) commenced its application for the court's permission to discontinue claims in the current proceedings, which seek a permanent injunction against four local landowners.  The application is being made as a permanent injunction is no longer applicable due to the Corrib Gas Partners' commitment to modify the existing onshore pipeline route.

Counsel for SEPIL stated today that the Corrib Gas Partners will not be reliant on the current Compulsory Acquisition Orders (CAO) as a new consent for the modified onshore pipeline route will need to be sought under Section 40 of the Gas Act.

Andy Pyle, SEPIL's Managing Director, said, "This is a logical step in view of our ongoing process to modify the onshore pipeline route.  We are at an early stage of this process, which will take up to a year, and during this time we will consult as widely as possible with local landowners and the community.  Clearly the key to finding the best modified route will be landowner agreement and community acceptance".