Hopes of further gas finds of the Mayo coast have received a boost with the announcement by Providence Resources that it had found two possible natural gas deposits off the North Mayo coast. The Irish-based oil and gas exploration company said a technical evaluation of part of the Slyne Basin off the Mayo coast had revealed the presence of two gas prospects, named 'Kylemore' and 'Shannon'.

Michael Crothers, a native of Canada, took over as managing Director of Shell E&P Ireland Limited and Corrib project venture manager on December 1. He replaces Terry Nolan who had held the positions for the past four years.A chemical engineer by profession, Michael has worked in the oil and gas industry for 28 years, 24 of these with Shell.

The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Mr. Phil Hogan, T.D., has today approved the grant of a foreshore licence to Shell E&P Ireland Limited (SEPIL) in respect of developments on the foreshore related to construction of the Corrib Gas Pipeline, subject to conditions.

Mayo Sinn Féin County councillor Gerry Murray has slammed the approval given by outgoing Minister Pat Carey to the Corrib gas pipeline. He said the Minister signed the order on the day of the election when he lost his seat and Fianna Fail lost power and as such had not moral or political authority to make such decision.

Pat Carey, Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, has given consent for consturction of a gas pipeline from the Corrib gas field to to the Bellanaboy terminal.

An Bord Pleanala has given permission for the final section of the Corrib gas pipeline in North Mayo to go-ahead and Shell say they are now looking forward to completing final phase of project.

'Once Upon a Time in the West: The Corrib Gas Controversy' is a new book that tells the story of the battle between oil giant Shell and a small farming community in North Mayo.

Shell E&P Ireland Limited (SEPIL) has said that it welcomes the resumed oral hearing into the Corrib onshore pipeline.

In all the controversy surrounding the development of the Corrib gas field and the construction of the Bellananboy gas terminal, those young men and women from Erris and other parts of Mayo who have worked on the project have rarely had their say.