Statement by Bishop John Fleming, Bishop of Killala, on the Corrib Gas Project

28 Apr 2008

PRESS RELEASE
28 April 2008

Statement by Bishop John Fleming, Bishop of Killala, on the Corrib Gas Project

I welcome the statement, dated 25/04/08, issued by seven Kilcommon residents, Mary and Willie Corduff, Philip and Vincent McGrath, PJ Moran, Pat O’Donnell and Caitlin Ui Seighin. It is an important and significant attempt to resolve the on-going difficulties which have surrounded the Corrib Gas Project in north Mayo.
I appreciate their courage in dropping their demand that the refinery be located at sea and agreeing that it be sited on-shore. I now invite the partners in the Corrib Gas Project to consider this proposal carefully.

I accept that substantial investment has already been made in the site at Bellanaboy and I realise that relocation to a new site will increase the overall cost of the project. However, I believe that the benefits of relocation will far outweigh the financial considerations involved.

Importantly, a decision to relocate could significantly allay the fears that have plagued the people of this area in recent years. The process of healing the deep hurt felt within the parish of Kilcommon and the wider community in Erris could also begin. Furthermore, it is my hope that this may allow the Corrib Gas Partners to open a new and more peaceful chapter in their relationship with the local community.

The site at Glinsk was first identified last year by RPS acting as a consultancy for the Corrib Gas Project. Since then an increasing awareness of the suitability of the site has grown. The priests of the parish recommended it to Mr Eamon Ryan TD, Minister for Communication, Energy and Natural Resources, and it has now been given further support. I suggest, therefore, that the Glinsk proposal be examined carefully as a viable alternative with the potential to bring closure to this issue.

ENDS

Further information:
Martin Long, Director of Communications (086 172 7678)
Brenda Drumm, Communications Officer (087 233 7797)