Application Decision: Notice of the grant of permission to Vermilion E&P Ireland Limited to conduct an offshore pipeline survey and inspection of the offshore facilities in the Corrib Field

Notice of the grant of permission to Vermilion E&P Ireland Limited to conduct an offshore pipeline survey and inspection of the offshore facilities in the Corrib Field

The Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment has made a decision on the application from Vermilion E&P Ireland Limited to conduct an offshore pipeline survey and inspection of the offshore facilities in the Corrib Field.

• as set out in detail in the EIA Determination of 14 October 2019, the proposed survey programme in the Corrib Field, comprising an offshore pipeline and subsea structure inspection (to include repair and maintenance work as necessary), inshore pipeline inspection/maintenance, as well as the programme of repair works of the P3 wellhead can be completed without significant effects on the environment, subject to attachment of specified conditions (see Table 1 in Final Submission Re Corrib Site Survey)
• as set out in detail in the AA Screening Determination of 26 November 2019, the proposed survey programme, comprising an offshore pipeline and subsea structure inspection (to include repair and maintenance work as necessary, inshore pipeline inspection/maintenance, as well as a programme of repair and engineering work on the P3 well) will not adversely affect the integrity of the relevant European sites identified (whether individually or in combination with other plans or projects), in view of the sites' conservation objectives, subject to the implementation of the mitigation measures adopted and outlined in Table 2 (see Table 2 in Final Submission Re Corrib Site Survey)
• 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. The proposed works on the wellhead to fix the bridging plate is reasonable and demonstrates the operator is proactive in maintaining the subsea infrastructure

Please note that the validity of this decision may be questioned by judicial review under Order 84 of the Rules of the Superior Courts (S.I. 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.