Corrib gas field, located 83 kilometres from the west coast of Ireland, has now started its production of gas. When the Irish government approved the start of the production, 11 years of slow down were over. Ever since the field was discovered in 1996, the Norwegian company Statoil has been involved and holds a current share of 36,5 percent of the Corrib field together with the operator Shell (45%) and Vermillion (18,5%). The project has experienced multiple challenges from the local community as well as the Environmental Protection Agency in the process of getting the production started. In the development phase the project has created a great number of local jobs. According to the press release, Statoil feels confident that the project will contribute positive outcomes, both locally and nationally.
Chargé d’Affaires Sølve Steinhovden from the Embassy will be present at the official opening to take place in Belmullet on Monday 25th January.