Objector has 'no intention' of dropping case

The largest landowner on the current Corrib gas onshore pipeline route has said that she has "no intention" of dropping her legal…

The largest landowner on the current Corrib gas onshore pipeline route has said that she has "no intention" of dropping her legal action against Shell E&P Ireland.

Bríd McGarry was commenting on yesterday's announcement by Shell that it intended to modify the route, and "review" its legal proceedings against objecting landowners.

The company said it intended to hold discussions with "the other parties" involved with a view to withdrawing its injunction application against objectors to the onshore pipeline.

Ms McGarry is one of six defendants - along with three of the five men jailed last year. She has filed a counter-claim with landowner Brendan Philbin, and told The Irish Times yesterday that this would be pursued, even if the company modifies the route. "This project has wider environmental issues, beyond safety," she said yesterday.

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Paraic Ferry, solicitor for Willie Corduff and Philip McGrath - two of the six defendants - said that Shell had contacted it seeking a meeting with all legal representatives.

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny welcomed Shell's decision to "drop" the overall injunction. Although the company has not specified this, a Fine Gael spokesman said Mr Kenny had been informed of this development yesterday by company deputy managing director Terry Nolan.

Labour Party spokesman on energy and natural resources Tommy Broughan welcomed Shell's announcement as a "significant step forward", but said that the Corrib partners must now address the "current placing of the onshore gas refinery".

Mr Broughan said it was "critical" that Mr Pyle and Shell "engage further with the residents of Rossport and Erris to ensure that any rerouted location will not produce similar anxieties for other Mayo residents as those endured by the Rossport five and their supporters".

Lorna Siggins

Lorna Siggins

Lorna Siggins is the former western and marine correspondent of The Irish Times