Court dismisses appeal over Corrib gas terminal planning permission as moot

The High Court has dismissed an appeal concerning planning conditions imposed on Shell's gas terminal development in County Mayo. Justice Dunne determined the matter was moot, finding no live dispute remained between the parties. An Bord Pleanála granted Shell planning permission for the terminal in October 2004, subject to a condition requiring the company to provide security to Mayo County Council for land reinstatement after operations ceased. The applicant challenged this condition's compliance in High Court proceedings initiated in March 2005 under the Planning and Development Act 2000, seeking injunctive relief. The initial hearing in 2006 found substantial compliance with only formalities outstanding. Following an appeal to the Supreme Court in April 2006, the matter remained dormant until 2014, when it was placed on the uncertified list. Justice Dunne noted the applicant had failed to actively pursue the appeal promptly and observed that the terminal had since been completed and commenced production.