Shell has announced that the damaged pipe-laying ship the Solitaireis to leave Killybegs, Co Donegal today for the UK.
In a statement this afternoon, the company said the ship would depart for an un-named UK port where deep water berthing facilities are available.
It said the ship would remain in port until a 'further assessment of factors including operational, technical and weather issues was completed.'
"Once this is done, a further statement about the 2008 offshore development programme will be made," it said.
The announcement should lead to the end of a 10-day hunger strike by Mayo teacher Maura Harrington (54). Ms Harrington went on hunger strike to demand the departure of the
Solitaire, brought in by Shell to lay the Corrib offshore gas pipeline, from Irish waters.
Shell said it was sending a special diving support vessel to Broadhaven Bay off the Co Mayo coast tomorrow to salvage the 12 metre long, 80 tonnes section of the
Solitaire'spipe laying equipment.
This piece of equipment, which became detached from the vessel last week, is currently lying on the seabed and will be removed and disposed of for safety and environmental reasons.