Application Decision: Application by Vermilion Exploration and Production Ireland Limited (VEPIL) to conduct an offshore survey and campaign of inspection, repair and maintenance (Corrib Field)

Notice of the grant of permission to Vermilion Exploration and Production Ireland Limited to undertake an inspection survey of the Corrib Field offshore pipeline and subsea structures from the landfall valve site at Glengad, Co. Mayo to the Corrib Field, to include repair and maintenance works as necessary.

The Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications has decided, on 14 June 2021, to grant approval to Vermilion Exploration and Production Ireland Limited to undertake an inspection survey of the Corrib Field offshore pipeline and subsea structures from the landfall valve site at Glengad, Co. Mayo to the Corrib Field, to include repair and maintenance works as necessary, subject to conditions for the following reasons.

• As set out in detail in the EIA Screening Determination of 24 March 2021, the proposed survey, inspection and maintenance programme in the Corrib Field, comprising geophysical and visual survey programme of the Corrib offshore gas pipeline, sections of the umbilical, Bellanaboy Bridge Gas Terminal (BBGT) treated surface water outfall pipeline, and infield flowlines and umbilicals between the Corrib Field manifold and the landfall at Glengad, northwest Co. Mayo, to include repair and maintenance work as necessary, between the months of May and September 2021 is not likely to have a significant effect on the environment, subject to attachment of specified conditions.
• As set out in detail in the AA Determination of 10 May 2021, the proposed geophysical and visual survey programme of the Corrib offshore gas pipeline, sections of the umbilical, Bellanaboy Bridge Gas Terminal (BBGT) treated surface water outfall pipeline, and infield flowlines and umbilicals between the Corrib Field manifold and the landfall at Glengad, northwest Co. Mayo, to include repair and maintenance work as necessary, to be carried out between the months of May and September 2021 (either individually or in combination with other plans or projects) will not adversely affect the integrity of any European sites, in view of the sites’ conservation objectives, subject to attachment of specified conditions.
• The technical elements of the proposals are acceptable and meet the Department’s requirements. It is considered that the proposed subsea inspection to assess the facilities and pipelines of the near shore and offshore elements of the Corrib development is reasonable and required for annual maintenance of the facilities using industry standard equipment.

Please note that the validity of this decision may be questioned by judicial review under Order 84 of the Rules of the Superior Courts (SI No.15 of 1986), as amended. Any application for leave to apply for judicial review must be made promptly and in any event within three months from the date of this decision. Practical information on the review mechanism can be obtained from the Citizens Information Board, Ground Floor, George's Quay House, 43 Townsend Street, Dublin 2, or online at www.citizensinformation.ie or www.courts.ie.