THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS, Energy and Natural Resources has announced that, in one of his final acts as acting minister, Pat Carey has approved the construction of the Corrib Gas pipeline.

An Bord Pleanála approved the final section of the controversial pipeline last month, which runs from the sea to the Corrib gas processing station at Bellanaboy, Co Mayo.

That decision required ministerial approval before it could be followed.

In letters dated the 25 February but announced in a statement today, the department said Carey had granted approval, subject to conditions, to Shell E&P Ireland ”to construct a gas pipeline from the Corrib gas field subsea facilities to the Corrib gas terminal at Bellanaboy, Co. Mayo.

It also said approval had been granted for “an addendum to the Plan of Development for the Corrib gas field development”.

Local residents have been actively campaigning against the pipeline for several years, citing safety concerns about the proposed pipeline’s proximity to residences.

The plan approved by An Bord Pleanála included changes made following concerns raised by residents. Shell E&P Ireland had welcomed An Bord Pleanála’s approval, saying it believed the “decision is good for Mayo and Ireland”.