The Corrib natural gas project gained planning permission and government consent in 2004. However, local people have remained worried about the safety of the pipeline and the benefits for them. Regretfully, in June 2005, five local people were jailed after illegally blocking project work. Shortly afterwards, construction was suspended to allow an independent safety review and further dialogue with the community. The safety review was completed in May 2006. We accepted all its findings and agreed to limit the maximum operating pressure of the onshore pipeline.

On the recommendation of the government-appointed mediator, we agreed to change the onshore pipeline route to address concerns that it was too close to some people’s houses. We have established a process to decide on an alternative route that involves extensive consultation with landowners and the community.

Having made these public commitments and apologised for the hurt caused to the local community, in October 2006, we restarted work on the terminal. This drew some protestors who blocked the road to the site. Police have kept the road open and work continues.

We are pleased that local people are benefiting from the project. Over 200 local people are currently working on site with a further 500 expected by the end of 2007. The national natural gas distribution company recently announced that 11 towns in County Mayo would be connected to the national gas supply. This means that Corrib’s natural gas will eventually flow into towns in the West of Ireland, as well as throughout the country. An independent survey in November 2006, showed that the majority of local residents supported the project.

While we cannot change the past, we have learned from it. We remain committed to the project, which we know can only succeed in partnership with the local community.