Sinn Féin TD Martin Ferris Voices Regret Over EPA Decision on Gas Refinery

national | environment | press release Thursday November 15, 2007 21:11 by DSF

Published: 13 November, 2007

The Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Natural Resources and the Environment, Martin Ferris TD, has voiced his regret over the decision by the Environmental Protection Agency to grant a license to the Corrib Consortium to proceed with the planned gas refinery at Bellanaboy, County Mayo. Deputy raised the issue in the Dáil this afternoon in an effort to have the issue debated, particularly in the light of the Green Party's previous opposition to the sitting of a refinery at that location.

Deputy Ferris said:

"I and many others are disappointed that the EPA has given the go ahead for the refinery but I am not surprised. It was previously pointed out that the terms of reference given to the Agency were too narrow and that many important aspects of the proposal did not therefore fall under its remit.

"It is strongly believed by many, including local residents, that a refinery at this location fed by a high pressure pipeline will present a real danger not only to the local population but to the natural environment. As I understand the situation, the case against the refinery will now be taken to Europe where it is hoped that the proposal will be subject to the strictures contained in a number of EU Directives."

CRÍOCH