RPS to work on the modified onshore pipeline route

From Left to right, Liam Bohane - RPS Project Manager, Terry Nolan Deputy MD SEPIL & PJ Rudden - RPS Group Director

The Open Days are the first steps in public consultation around finding a new route for the onshore pipeline. A further step forward in the process of finding a modified route is the appointment of RPS to provide engineering support services for the onshore pipeline. The services to be provided by RPS will include consultation around the criteria for finding a modified route, surveying and mapping, engineering design, environmental assessment, procurement support and construction supervision.

RPS is highly experienced in gas pipeline routing and environmental assessment, having worked for Bord Gáis on the 335km Gas Pipeline to the West from Dublin to Galway / Limerick in 2002. They will work in partnership with Shell E&P Ireland Limited (SEPIL) to facilitate a modified pipeline route with landowner agreement and community acceptance. Over the coming months RPS and SEPIL will hold further public meetings to focus on the pipeline. This will be the subject of further announcements in the coming weeks.

Commenting on the appointment Mr Terry Nolan, Deputy Managing Director for SEPIL said "I am very pleased to welcome RPS on board the project. They are fully committed to help us find the best route for the onshore pipeline through a process of community consultation. I am hopeful that, through dialogue and open communication, we will find a modified pipeline route and I urge everyone with an interest in this project to fully engage in the participatory process that will be announced in the coming weeks".

Notes to editors:

There are currently 170 people employed as a result of the ongoing work on the Bellanaboy terminal site.  Peat removal will commence in late spring and full construction will follow thereafter. At peak construction period there will be approximately 700 people employed on the terminal site. In the long term there will be 100 full time permanent positions created in the local area as a result of the project.

The Corrib Gas partners are Shell E&P Ireland Ltd (SEPIL) 45% (operator), Statoil Exploration (Ireland) Limited (36.5%) and Marathon International Petroleum Hibernia Limited (18.5%).

RPS contract
RPS has been awarded the Engineering Management and Support Services (EEMS) contract for the Corrib onshore gas pipeline.

RPS is Ireland's leading multi-disciplinary, all island consultancy providing Planning, Engineering, Transportation and Environmental services.  They currently employ 900 people based at offices in Dublin, Belfast, Cork, Galway, Limerick, Waterford and Letterkenny.