Shell E&P Ireland Limited (SEPIL) today announced it will defer laying the offshore pipeline for the Corrib gas project until next year.
In a statement released this evening the company said the suspension "will not affect the project's completion schedule", and will "allow for a period of discussion and dialogue".
SEPIL Managing Director, Andy Pyle, said: "While we strongly believe that all safety aspects of the onshore pipeline have been fully addressed, we want the public to have confidence that every reasonable step has been taken.
Today's announcement regarding the temporary suspension of the offshore pipeline works is a further sign of our commitment to safety".