Shell to Sea's call for a tribunal to investigate the Corrib gas project in north Mayo has been dismissed tonight by both the Government and Shell.
Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources Noel Dempsey,said there was nothing new in the proposals.
He said: "At first glance there is nothing new in the proposal put forward by Shell to Sea. It looks at areas already examined by independent bodies and individuals."
In a statement released tonight Shell insisted that work should go ahead as planned.
"The location of the gas processing terminal at Bellanaboy was approved after three and a half years in the planning process, which included three weeks of public hearings and two appeals to An Bord Pleanala," the company said.
"Any suggestion that an alternative to Bellanaboy as a site for the gas processing terminal could now be considered as unrealistic," the statement added.
The protest group had sought an independent inquiry to make recommendations on how best to develop the Corrib project, according to a set of criteria that includes environment, health and safety, local and regional benefits and community consent.
Mark Garavan, Shell to Sea
In addition to having members acceptable to both sides in the dispute, Shell to Sea also wanted the inquiry to be conducted in public through open hearings.
In a statement, the group called on Shell to immediately halt operations in Bellanaboy and engage in the process, promising to end the protests in return.
Shell to Sea said its proposal put forward an "open, transparent and democratic method" to determine the future of the Corrib gas project.
"This proposal offers a reasonable and sensible way by which the Corrib gas conflict can be resolved," said Shell to Sea spokesman Mark Garavan. "All sides in this dispute claim community support, so none should fear community consent as the key criterion."
Attempts at mediation have failed, and in recent weeks protesters have mounted daily pickets at the Bellanaboy refinery site. Mr Garavan criticised previous attempts to end the dispute as having "narrow focuses and limited terms of reference".
Earlier today, a Labour Party delegation visited the protest and confirmed their support for the local community. The delegation - which included TDs Tommy Broughan, Joe Costello and Michael D. Higgins - said that they were willing to help to bring about a fair and agreed resolution of the Corrib dispute.
Sinn Féin has called on the Dublin city manager to clarify the existence of an alleged fuel deal with Shell oil.
"The city manager must now clearly outline what Dublin City Council's relationship is with Shell Oil and address the issue as a matter of urgency."
A Shell to Sea protest is planned for later this evening to coincide with the Dublin City Council meeting at City Hall.
