Shell E&P Ireland says it hopes to begin dismantling an illegally welded section of the Corrib gas pipeline this week.
The work comes on foot of a direction issued by Minister for Marine Noel Dempsey over two months ago, in response to confirmation that the welding did not have the necessary consents.
The Department of the Marine said yesterday it would have "authorised officers" present during the work.
The company is due back in the High Court later this month in relation to a possible breach of consents. It is also listed to appear in court today in relation to discovery of documents for its permanent injunction application.
Advertisements signalling the pipeline dismantling work are due to appear in local newspapers and noticeboards are being erected at respective Corrib gas project sites giving more detailed information, according to the company.
It has also sought permission from the Shell to Sea campaign to enter the terminal site at Bellanaboy today to carry out environmental works, but says work on the overall project remains suspended pending the Minister's new safety review of the onshore pipeline.
Spokesman for the campaign Dr Mark Garavan said it welcomed the company's direct approach and was anxious to facilitate it if it was proven that environmental works were necessary.
"There is still a huge trust issue, on both sides," he said. Confidence-building would require some time.
Shell also says it has no particular objection to Government participation in the mediation talks, which the Minister hopes to establish shortly between the company and the Erris community. The five men called at the weekend for the Government to be involved directly, through the Minister or his representatives.
The department was considering the demand yesterday.
A company spokesman noted the men had agreed to enter the talks without preconditions and Government participation had not been a condition.
"This was Shell's understanding, but we have no problem if the Government is to be represented - although what purpose this would serve is not clear," he said.
The company has reiterated that an offshore gas terminal is not an option and has also said there are no plans for alternative routes for the pipeline.
Shell E&P Ireland's chief executive Andy Pyle said the company realised compromises would have to be made by all sides. Willie Corduff, one of the five men released from prison, has said the only alternative route, up Sruwadaccon Bay, was not an option for two reasons. The bay was a designated special area of protection and such a route would place not one, but two, communities at risk, he said.
The five men have made it clear that although they will engage in mediation, they will not participate in the Minister's new onshore pipeline safety review, due to its restricted terms of reference.