Royal Dutch Shell PLC has reported a 21% net increase in fourth quarter earnings.
Net profit for the fourth quarter of 2006 was over €4bn, compared to €3.6bn for the same quarter in 2005. Full-year earnings were €19.74bn.
Shell's development of the Corrib gas field, where production has been delayed due to local opposition to the building of a pipeline and terminal, is not referred to in the company's full-year report which was published this morning.
Earlier today in the Dáil, Independent TD Jerry Cowley criticised the State's expenditure of €3.14m on policing at the Corrib gas terminal site, in light of Shell's earnings.
