Shell launches Corrib biodiversity plan

Shell launches Corrib biodiversity action plan


Áine Ryan

SHELL E&P Ireland (SEPIL) confirmed its commitment to continue to implement ‘extensive biodiversity conservation and rehabilitation measures’ so as to ‘protect and enhance the local environment’, at the launch of its ‘Corrib Development Biodiversity Action Plan 2014-2019’ last week. The action plan outlines details of ‘the conservation of habitats and species’ attached to the project’s large infrastructural footprint in north west Mayo.
Speaking at last Friday’s launch in the Mulranny Park Hotel, Michael Crothers, Managing Director, said: “The launch of the ‘Corrib Development Biodiversity Action Plan’ is a statement of commitment from Shell. It highlights the extensive work by the environmental team in partnership with our contractors on the Corrib gas project and outlines how SEPIL will continue to respect the environment as we move into operation.”
“Biodiversity is vital for sustaining ecosystems and this action plan explains how biodiversity has been maintained and enhanced in Erris. The valuable research and best practices in the action plan will have a positive impact and I hope that other construction projects will look towards Corrib as a case study in environmental excellence,” Mr Crothers continued.
As much of County Mayo has been designated for nature conservation under Irish and European legislation, rigorous environmental monitoring has been undertaken throughout the construction of the project, according to a Shell statement. It also noted that the protracted timeframe of the project had allowed for ‘a large amount of habitat and species data to be  collected over a significantly longer period of time than would normally be the case’.
The plan cites 12 key objectives to be achieved over the coming five-year period and thus into the production phase of the project.
“Shell’s approach to the management of the environment does not stop at the conclusion of the construction phase; rather it continues into the operations phase.  I very much welcome the publication of this action plan as it confirms Shell’s obligation to ensure environmental objectives are met,” said Rupert Thomas, Vice President for Environment at Shell. He officiated at the launch of the plan.

MORE on the plan at www.shell.ie