An explosives expert has told a hearing into the safety of the onshore pipeline from the Corrib Gas field in Mayo that, if the pipeline were to rupture, the ensuing explosion would kill anyone within a mile radius.
Retired US Navy officer Dave Aldridge was speaking at the opening session of the public consultation; held by the Department of Marine and Natural Resources into the high-pressure pipeline as part of a safety review of the project.
Although about 40 people attended the hearing the five Mayo men, who were jailed for their opposition to the onshore pipeline, refused to participate.
Dr Mark Garavan, speaking on behalf of the five men, read a statement which said that public consultation was required prior to, and not after, the decision granting approval for the construction of the pipeline.
Dr Garavan also said that the terms of the safety review being carried out by the safety consultants, Advantica, were too narrow. The men believe that comparative safety should have been included as part of the consultants' brief. They want examination of alternative technologies for refining the gas.
The five men are due to participate in mediation talks with Shell E&P Ireland which the Minister for the Marine, Noel Dempsey, is facilitating. They are also due back in court on October 25th to hear if they are to be punished for their breach of an injunction granted to Shell.