A new independent safety assessment of the controversial Corrib onshore onshore gas pipeline in Co Mayo is to be commissioned by the Minister for Marine and Natural Resources Noel Dempsey, it was confirmed tonight.
Five north Mayo residents have been in jail for two weeks for contempt of court after refusing to give undertakings that they would not obstruct construction works for the pipeline. The men have safety concerns.
The breakthrough follows contacts between all sides by an intermediary, Raymond O'Malley. It is hoped that the jailed men will now be able to purge their contempt and get out of prison.
The review is to be put out to tender tomorrow.
Under the terms of reference the safety assessment will provide a detailed health and safety audit and will judge whether the installations have been designed and installed in accordance with best international practice.
The company behind the pipeline, Shell E&P, said no work would take place on the pipeline for the moment.