Natural Resources Minister Noel Dempsey is to order a further safety review of the Corrib Gas pipeline with a view to ending the standoff between Shell and some local residents in Co Mayo.
The row has left five local men in jail for the last two weeks for contempt of a court order.
Mr Dempsey said this evening that he had been in touch with the men through an intermediary, but had refused to meet them in prison until they purged their contempt to the High Court.
He acknowledged that his contacts had not produced any deal, but said he hoped his proposals would meet the concerns of all involved.
The terms of reference for the safety review would involve a comprehensive health and safety audit and would examine whether all the facilities were designed and installed according to best international practice.
He also said that Shell had agreed to suspend all work on the onshore pipeline and to ensure that the pressure it experienced could not exceed 150 bars.
