The managing director of Enterprise Energy has rejected claims by a UK marine biologist that the Corrib gas project would cause environmental dangers to the coastline of Co Mayo.
Mr Briain O Cathain denied that heavy metals would be discharged from the terminal out-fall pipe near Rossport in Broadhaven Bay.
He was responding to concerns expressed by Dr Alex Rogers of the University of Southampton, who warned that heavy metals and methanol would be discharged and pose a danger to fish and marine life. He also claimed that coral has been recorded close to the Corrib field. Mr O Cathain said Enterprise Energy had no plans to release any contaminants or pollutants into the bay.
Enterprise Energy is waiting for the Department of the Marine to grant a petroleum lease. Mayo County Council is awaiting further information from the company on its planning application for a gas terminal building near Belmullet.