Erris fishermen split

Fisherman split over Corrib outflow pipe deal

Áine Ryan

A SPLIT has developed between north Mayo fishermen, who met last night (Monday) to discuss the details of a possible breakthrough with Shell over the location of an outflow pipe from the controversial Corrib gas refinery.
While a Shell spokesman was reticent about details of the ongoing negotiations – which also involve compensation packages for fishermen due to the project’s imminent sub-sea pipe-laying phase – Mr Eddie Diver confirmed that Shell had ‘a tentative proposal’ on the table.
However, fisherman Mr Pat O’Donnell told The Mayo News that neither he, nor around a dozen other fishermen will accept the proposal, which he dubbed ‘a sham’.
“What Shell has set out to do is to split the fishermen – like they did to the community – and they are close to achieving that now,” said Mr O’Donnell. “Anyone who voted for this compromise is putting a pay packet from Shell before the environmental impact to the bay.”
On the other hand, Mr Eddie Diver, Chairman of the Erris Inshore Fishermen’s Association (EIFA), was more positive and upbeat about the potential of the deal.
“We are making progress. And they have put forward a tentative proposal which involves  storing the contaminated water and chemicals – that comes in from the well with the gas – on site. It will then have to be removed by a licensed tanker,” said Mr Diver.
He told The Mayo News that this was the method of disposal proposed by EIFA from the outset, instead of the disputed location of the pipe at the edge of Broadhaven Bay adjacent to  a rich fishery ground. Mr Diver also said that Government would obviously have to give consent for such a disposal method, since it will involve a lengthy on-road carriage of methanol and rust inhibitors.
“Regarding compensation due to the impact of the upcoming pipe-laying process by the Solitaire, there is still ‘a gap’ between ourselves and Shell over the amounts. But these were our two gripes with Shell and once our demands are met, we are happy,” continued Mr Diver. 
He said the pipe-laying will have a direct impact on eleven fishing vessels and a peripheral impact on about 30. Mr Diver observed also that EIFA had always been for the Corrib project once it was implemented properly.
Shell spokesman Mr Colin Joyce confirmed it was ‘engaged in ongoing dialogue with the EIFA’ but said it had been agreed that the details remain confidential.
He told The Mayo News that discussions were focused on two areas: the discharge of produced water and the related concerns of some local fishermen regarding the location of the outfall diffuser which has been licensed by the Environmental Protection Agency, and practical issues associated with working arrangements for fishermen during the offshore pipe-lay programme this summer.
He added that the two issues were being discussed in tandem and that both parties concurred that ‘no agreement can be finalised until the twin issues have been resolved to the satisfaction of both sides’.
Meanwhile, Mr O’Donnell said he and other fishermen will continue to fish in the pathway of  the pipe-laying vessel, the Solitaire, expected in Broadhaven Bay in the coming days.
“We’ll continue to fish when the Solitaire comes. Just like the workers at the refinery, we have a right to go to our place of work. Nobody – either Shell or the Department of the Marine – has asked me to move my fishing gear,” said Mr O’Donnell.
Mr Joyce also told The Mayo News he could not confirm when the Solitaire – the world’s largest pipe-laying vessel – would start work.
“We are expecting the Solitaire in the next couple of weeks. It depends on preparatory works and weather conditions,” he said.
However, a notice on the Department of the Marine website since July 25 last flags the upcoming work of the Solitaire (Fugro Saltire) and states that works will commence in early August – continuing for eight to ten weeks – weather permitting.