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January 2010

Ryan seeks transfer of safety function to energy regulator

By: 
Lorna Siggins - Irish Times

MINISTER for Energy Eamon Ryan has published proposed legislation which aims to “set a new standard” for the safety of oil and gas infrastructure.

The Petroleum (Exploration and Extraction) Safety Bill 2010 proposes transferring regulatory functions for the safety of oil and gas extraction and production from the Minister’s department to the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER).

The proposal comes more than 3½ years after his predecessor, Noel Dempsey promised it, in the context of the Corrib gas project.

An Bord Pleanála and The Garda Ombudsman criticise Shell and the Gardaí respectively

By: 
Michael McCaughan - Village Magazine

An Bord Pleanála (ABP) has rejected the proposed route for the Corrib pipeline as “unacceptable” on safety grounds. The ruling was unequivocal: houses along the route were “within the hazard range of the pipeline should a failure occur”, while “design documentation” and “risk assessment” fail to “present a complete, transparent and adequate demonstration that the pipeline does not pose an unacceptable risk to the public”. The decision also noted the Shell failed to include part of the onshore pipeline route in its application. The ruling vindicated a ten-year campaign which has seen local residents become experts on complex, technical aspects of gas production, while they also learnt a thing or two about state persecution and political treachery.

While An Bord Pleanála's statement clearly dismissed the project in its current form, it also contained a disturbing conclusion, that “provisionally” the board would “approve the proposed onshore pipeline development should certain 'alterations' be made”.

Shell must respond by February 2010 but their options are limited as the company has already discounted alternative routes on financial and environmental grounds.

‘Well, we know what you’re against, but what are you for?’

By: 
livinginrossport

So, we’re having a Wind Turbine workshop up here in Mayo this week. Why? Well, there’re a lot of reasons…

We want to show what we’re for in a practical way. Everyone knows that we’re against the Corrib Gas Project, and hopefully the reasons for that, but what’s the alternative? Well, this course is looking in the right direction.

ESB to develop three wave energy projects

By: 
Gavin Daly - Sunday Business Post

The ESB has plans to develop three wave energy sites off the Irish coast, including one at Broad have n Bay, in Co Mayo, where the Shell gas pipeline has caused controversy.

The electricity firm has applied for foreshore licences to investigate the potential for wave energy in Broadhaven Bay and Blacksod Bay in Co Mayo and Ballinskelligs Bay in Co Kerry.

A spokeswoman for ESB said that the applications were the first step that the energy firm had to take to explore the potential of the sites for wave energy.

Human rights group calls for suspension of Corrib gas project

By: 
Mayo Advertiser

Human rights organisation Afri is calling for a suspension of all work on the Corrib gas project pending an independent and comprehensive investigation of its safety, human rights, economic and environmental dimensions. Afri is asking people to sign a petition to that effect, which will be delivered to the government next month. The petition was launched by former UN assistant secretary-general Denis Halliday this week.


Dennis Halliday, Benny McCabe & Andy Storey (Photo - Michael Gallagher - http://www.myspace.com/libertypix)

Sign the petition online here: http://petitions.contact.ie/content/suspend-work-corrib-gas-project-pend...

Exxon Mobil offering stakes in gas fields off Irish coast

By: 
Bloomberg in the Irish Times

EXXON MOBIL, the largest US energy company, is offering stakes in two natural gas fields off the Irish coast for sale to help fund exploratory drilling.

The Dunquin North and Dunquin South prospects hold combined recoverable reserves of 8.4 trillion cubic feet of gas and 316 million barrels of condensate, according to an offering document posted on Schlumberger Ltd’s IndigoPool Web site.

Exxon Mobil is trimming its shares in the Dunquin fields for a second time in less than a year.

Privatising Education - Mayo schools link with local companies to gain business edge

By: 
Mayo Advertiser

Mayo schools link with local companies to gain business edge

Five schools in County Mayo are twinning with locally based companies to give their students the business edge that will help them to develop their careers when they enter the workforce. That’s according to Fianna Fáil TD and Minister for Labour Affairs, Dara Calleary.

The students are taking part in an innovative Government-backed programme called the Schools Business Partnership that twins schools with major local businesses.

Afri Calls for Suspension of Corrib Gas Project and Launches Petition

By: 
Michael Gallagher - Indymedia

At a well attended press launching in Dublin, human rights activists Andy Storey, Dennis Halliday and Benny McCabe outlined some of the history over the last ten years since Shell arrived in Erris, County Mayo, Ireland.

Dennis Halliday, Benny McCabe & Andy Storey (Photo - Michael Gallagher - http://www.myspace.com/libertypix)

Human rights organisation AFri is calling for a suspension of all work on the Corrib project in Erris County Mayo, pending an independent and comprehensive investigation of it's safety, human rights, economic and environmental dimensions. Afri is asking people to sign a petition to that effect, which will be delivered to the government next month.

Sign the petition online here: http://petitions.contact.ie/content/suspend-work-corrib-gas-project-pend...

In Memory of Val Dazzle, who has passed away.

By: 
Shell to Sea

Val Jones from London and the UK Rising Tide organisation, better known as Val Dazzle to her friends and colleagues, died on Tuesday 5th January from Motor Neurone Disease after a long and difficult battle with the illness. Val lit a big spark in the UK and ignited a passion there for the Rossport struggle. She was 60 years young.

Funeral Arrangements.
Val's remains will be buried on Thursday 21st January at St. Pancras Cemetery, High Road, E. Finchley, London N2 9AG, following a celebration of her life at the St Pancras Cemetery Chapel, at 1.30pm.
No flowers please.. Donations, if desired, to Motor Neurone Disease Research.

Paul Williams up for an IFTA!?!?

By: 
livinginrossport

Paul Williams documentary ‘The Battle for the Gasfield’ has been nominated for a Irish Film and Television Award (IFTA) in the Current Affairs category. It’s controversial, biased, and poorly made – so why is it being nominated?