Who owns the gas from the Corrib Field?

Since 1987, after the appointment of Ray Burke (Minister for Energy) by Taoiseach Charles Haughey, Ireland forfeited its stakehold, participation and royalties in any oil or gas find in Irish territory. Currently a consortium of Royal Dutch Shell (45%), the Norwegian state company Statoil (36.5%) and US based Marathon (18.5%) are the exclusive owners of gas from the Corrib Field.



What are the currrent fiscal rates relating to Irish natural resources?

Ireland receives no royalties, no state stakehold and only 25% corporate tax, the lowest rate in the industry worldwide. All exploration and development costs can be written off against tax at 100%



Have the fiscal rates changed since the Ray Burke / Charlie Haughey era?

Astonishingly.. no!



How do our fiscal rates compare to others worldwide?

Norway: 78% Tax, state owned oil company (Statoil)
Nigeria: 30% Tax, 55% state participation, 5%-7% royalties
Venezuela: 65.7% Tax, 65%-85% state participation, 67.7% royalties
Ireland: 25% Tax, 0% state participation, 0% royalties



Who are the Rossport 5?

Willie Corduff, Micheáil Ó Sheighn, Brendan Philibin, Vincent McGrath & Philip Mc Grath; These men believed the proposed production pipeline running through their land would be unsafe. They therefore refused to acknowledge the legislation introduced in 2002 which allowed private companies to obtain compulsary aquisition orders on their land without their permission. The men were jailed for 94 days. Since their release their position has been vindicated by the Advantica report which also deemed the pipeline to be unsafe and ordered Shell to reduce the pressure.




Who are Shell to Sea?

Shell to Sea are a group of people with health and safety concerns regarding the Bellanaboy gas processing plant. They have publicly stated that they are not against the gas coming ashore but feel that the current design is by no means the optimum project solution. Their main goal is to ensure the processing is done offshore, hence the name "Shell to Sea".



Will my gas be cheaper?

No. Unlike the Kinsale field where gas was sold to An Bord Gáis at bulk discount rates, we will buy back gas from the Corrib field at the going market rate. Although we have an indigenous gas supply our consumer gas prices are at the mercy of the global market rates.




Why is this development being opposed?

See 2 Minute Summary



Is it too late to change the terms and conditions ?

No, however it would take huge pressure from the public or a major change of government to overturn the current agreement. Bolivia and Russia have recently revoked their unfavourable deals with the oil and gas industry and secured far more favourable deals for thier countries.



Has gas been processed in this manner anywhere else in the world?

Shell have made comparisons to other developments such as Snohvit and Ormen Lange in Norway, however both of these developments process the gas on offshore islands. No other development worldwide uses an inshore processing plant and production pipeline in such close proximity to an existing community and regional water supply.



Can the gas be processed offshore?

Yes, the gas can be processed offshore. At present there is very little evidence to disprove the following as viable alternatives:

Twister: Supersonic gas processing suitable for offshore unmanned platforms in remote and hostile environments
(www.twisterbv.com)

Offshore Platform at source: widely used method for offshore gas processing

Shallow Water Platform: This option is similar to many traditional offshore platforms, however, it poses fewer challenges and is less costly than a deep water option

Shell have admitted that the gas can be processed offshore but in the interest of their worker's safety they chose the onshore option. They also claim it will bring great benefits to the area during the construction phase.



What can I do?

Be vigilant and objective towards the media and propaganda from all sides. Investigate the information yourself.

You have a vote! Remember that it is YOU that awards the power to the politicians.

Help inform other people. Discussion is healthy and makes people more aware. Pass on any information you may have.