Dredger in place for Shell Pipeline Trench

mayo | environment | news report Sunday July 06, 2008 17:21 by federerris

controversial scheme continues

Shell are starting the dredging operation to begin laying the offshore part of the production pipeline to pump the raw gas from the Corrib field to their installation at Bellanaboy. The project has been criticised for separating the planning aspects of the offshore pipeline from the nine kilometres of onshore production pipeline which they want to cross the bog landscape and special areas of conservation around Rossport, county Mayo.

The company have not got planning permission for route of the onshore pipeline, but are pressing ahead with the offshore pipe.

Natural Resaources Minister Eamon Ryan, who once supported the local community in their fight against Shell's scheme, has made no statement in reaction to the Department of Transport's announcement (below).

Views of the backhoe dredger The Zenne, with Minister for Natural Resources Eamon Ryan

Notice to all shipowners, fishing vessel owners, agents, shipmasters, passenger ship masters, skippers, fishermen, yachtsmen and seafarers.

The Department of the Transport wishes to advise that marine construction work will shortly commence within Broad Haven Bay, in North West County Mayo, as part of the Corrib Field Development.

The work consists of the excavation of a trench from the High Water Mark westwards for approximately 1400m along the proposed pipeline route using a backhoe dredger ( ZENNE – Callsign ORZA), working with a split-hopper barge (M/V VLAANDEREN 7 – Callsign ORLW), which will clear all spoil to a seabed location within the right of way for storage and subsequent retrieval for backfilling the trench.

The work will commence in early July 2008 and last approximately three (3) months.

Trench dredging will take place for the first six weeks and upon pipeline installation trench backfilling will take place.

At all times a Safety Zone shall be maintained 200m either side of the pipeline route from 54°17' N/ 009° 50'W towards the shore on a bearing of 100.5°. Safety distances are clearly marked with marker buoys at the outer ends of the working area and are lighted during night time. The Safety Zone will be monitored by support vessels.

A radio navigation warning will be broadcast for the duration of the works.

Director General,
Maritime Safety Directorate,
Department of Transport,
Leeson Lane,
Dublin 2.

Marine Notice No. 25 of 2008
04 July 2008