The High Court has reserved judgment on applications for discovery of documents for the hearing of proceedings linked to the construction of the controversial high-pressure gas pipeline near Rossport in Co Mayo.
That action will not be ready to proceed before next October.
Ms Justice Mary Laffoy said yesterday she will rule next week on a number of matters relating to the action, including the nature of the issues in the case and whether the State and Shell E&P Ireland have to produce a range of documents sought for the hearing.
Ms Justice Laffoy has been asked to decide what are the principal issues in the case as the parties have been unable to agree a list of these.
The judge will also decide whether to make orders for discovery of documents.