Shell Ireland has said it fully accepts all the recommendations in the independent safety review of the Corrib gas pipeline in County Mayo.
Communications, Marine and Natural Resources Minister Noel Dempsey yesterday gave the go-ahead for the pipeline - subject to meeting the new safety conditions to eliminate the risk of accident or injury along its route.
In a statement, Shell Ireland also said it regretted the part it played in the jailing of five men who protested against the construction of the pipeline. Managing Director Andy Pyle said that mistakes had been made in the handling of the affair and apologised for any hurt that the imprisonment of the men had caused the local community.
He said that the only way the controversial project could continue was with the partnership of local people. Mr Pyle also told RTE radio that the company would look at all options for the pipeline in talks with local people.
But the Shell to Sea group has said opposition to the project will continue.
Meanwhile, small business group ISME has welcomed the findings of the safety report. 'With Ireland currently importing 85% of our gas requirements, it makes no economic sense to further delay access to the Corrib gas field,' said chief executive Mark Fielding.
