The five Mayo men imprisoned for more than three months for their opposition to the Corrib gas onshore pipeline intend to make a formal statement to the Minister for the Marine's public hearing, which opens in Geesala, north Mayo, today.
The two-day hearing, which will be chaired by John Gallagher SC, was established by the Minister, Noel Dempsey, as part of his safety review of the controversial high-pressure onshore pipeline.
The five men stated after their release on September 30th that they would not participate in the review because of its restricted terms of reference. However, they are expected to participate in mediation talks with Shell E&P Ireland which Mr Dempsey is facilitating, and are also due back in court on October 25th to hear if they are to be punished for their breach of the injunction.
However, following a meeting with the Shell to Sea campaign in Mayo at the weekend, they have decided to make their criticisms of the safety review known by way of a formal statement.
It is expected the men will welcome the principle of consultation, but question the remit of the exercise and its timing. As to the remit, the men believe comparative safety should have been included as part of the consultants' brief by way of an examination of alternative technologies for refining the gas.
"The consultants are taking this onshore pipeline as a 'given', which we believe to be a serious flaw," the men's spokesman, Dr Mark Garavan, told The Irish Times.
The five will question the authority of the safety review, given that the plan of development for the Corrib gas project was signed more than three years ago by former marine minister Frank Fahey, and compulsory acquisition orders were granted.
The five men will also point out that they are constrained by the impending mediation talks and by continuing legal issues. The legal issues include their own appearance back in court later this month, and Shell's application to seek a permanent injunction against all objectors.
The consultants, Advantica, who have previously carried out work for Shell, have already visited the Corrib construction sites and have invited public submissions. They will be present at the review, as will observers from Shell E&P Ireland. Shell says it has facilitated the consultants with all information required.
