Rabbitte questioned over potential earthquake fallout

SEANAD: CALLING FOR a statement by Minister for Natural Resources Pat Rabbitte on yesterday’s earthquake off Mayo, Trevor Ó Clochartaigh (SF) warned that any damage to off-coast oil and gas pipeline infrastructure as a result of seismic activity could have absolutely catastrophic repercussions.

During the development of the Corrib gas field and other fields off the west coast, had environmental impact studies taken account of the possibility of seismic activity of this relative severity and had it been “factored in” when decisions had been made, he asked.

Seanad leader Maurice Cummins said Mr Ó Clochartaigh might seek a specific debate on the issue.