Shell Ireland said today it is fully committed to the onshore high-pressure pipeline to bring gas from the Corrib field ashore at Rossport, Co Mayo.
The statement, by SEPIL managing director Andy Pyle follows a 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.
SEPIL managing director Andy Pyle
"We believe that a process is emerging that will provide a real opportunity for progress to be made on all the key issues", Mr Pyle said.
"Firstly, the Independent Safety Review will look at the technical and safety issues concerning the onshore pipeline. In addition, the mediation initiative announced by Minister Noel Dempsey provides a very important mechanism where the objectors and ourselves can work through the remaining concerns related to the onshore pipeline," he added.
The five Mayo men who spent 94 days in jail over their opposition to the pipeline did not participate in the public consultation.
Dr Mark Garavan, speaking on behalf of the five men, read a statement that said that public consultation was required prior to, and not after, the decision granting approval for the construction of the pipeline.
Mr Pyle said that over the past two weeks there has been "an increased level of co-operation between all sides and this has to be welcomed".
The five men are due to participate in mediation talks with Shell E&P Ireland and are due back in court on October 25th to hear if they are to be punished for their breach of an injunction granted to Shell.