Community leaders in a region which has a paucity of jobs must wait until early summer before they will know whether plans for a €170 million gas reception terminal get the go-ahead from An Bord Pleanála.
After hearing evidence for 22 days, the board will have to make a decision on whether Enterprise Energy Ireland (EEI) has addressed all the safety and environmental issues concerning the controversial facility which is proposed for Bellanaboy in north Mayo.
Although the developers planned to bring the gas ashore from the Corrib field as quickly as possible, the project has been dogged by delays leading to some local fears that it might be deferred or scrapped.
The appeal hearing ended in Ballina last week after hearing submissions about peat storage and removal associated with the construction of the terminal as well as a potential health hazard and concerns about the visual impact.
The Pro-Erris Gas Group has again emphasised the importance of the project for the jobs-starved region.
Group chairman Mr Chris Tallott said several hundred jobs would be created during the construction stages of the terminal building.
The local Bord Na Móna plant and Bellacorick power station were due to close in 2004 with the loss of 270 jobs and replacement jobs were needed, he said.
Mr Tallott said there was a possibility of a gas-powered electricity generating station being provided to replace Bellacorick power station.
Mr Tallott said a business park being created in Bangor Erris would benefit from a gas spur. "We are very hopeful that the concerns of residents will be addressed but it has also to be said that the project is badly needed in the area," he added.
Enterprise Energy Ireland now claims to have fully addressed all of the questions and issues involved.
In a statement, EEI managing director Mr Andy Pyle said the company believed the additional work carried out in preparation for and and presentation at the hearing, reaffirmed the positive decision of Mayo County Council to grant planning permission for the proposed development.
Mr Pyle added: "It is the continuing view of EEI that the development of the Corrib field as a sub-sea tie-back to an onshore gas terminal at Bellanaboy represents the very best alternative from the perspectives of environment, safety and economics."
Objectors to the gas terminal are asking that their expenses be paid because of their limited means and "sacrifices" in assisting An Bord Pleanála in its task of assessing the project.
In the wake of the conclusion to the marathon hearing, Mr Michael Ó Seighin, the spokesman for local residents, claimed that the Health and Safety Authority had failed to allay fears about the health and environmental risks posed by such a huge project in an unsuitable location.