Offshore development programme

Solitaire pipelay vessel

Starting in June 2009, over 7,000 lengths of pipe were welded together onboard the Solitaire pipelay vessel. The pipeline was then laid on the seabed from the shore out to the wells in the Corrib gas field, 83 kilometres away. Since completion of the pipelay works, the entire area, including the nearshore and cliff face at Glengad, have been reinstated.

Consents and permits

All the necessary consents and permits required for the 2009 offshore programme have been granted. The Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (DCENR) as well as the Coastal Zone Management Division of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food confirmed that work on the offshore section of the pipeline could proceed under the existing consents.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of Environment Heritage and Local Government also reviewed and approved the construction method statements for the offshore pipelay works.

The necessary letter of approval for the 2009 Environmental Management Plan was issued on April 9th 2009.

Consents history:

In 2002 Shell E&P Ireland Limited (SEPIL) was granted consent to construct the Corrib Gas Pipeline from the Corrib field, 83 kilometres offshore, to the onshore gas processing terminal at Bellanaboy Bridge.

In 2006, following a recommendation from independent mediator, Mr Peter Cassells, SEPIL agreed to re-route the onshore section of the pipeline. The new onshore pipeline application has no impact on the existing offshore pipeline consents, which remain valid.