Shell has been granted a foreshore licence in connection with the construction of the final section of the controversial Corrib gas pipeline in Co Mayo.
Environment Minister Phil Hogan today gave the green light to the plan with a number of conditions, including that recommendations from the Marine Licence Vetting Committee be respected.
The last Government gave the go-ahead to construct the onshore segment of the pipeline on its final day in office, pending the awarding of the foreshore licence which was granted today.
The project has been marred by fierce opposition from locals in recent years.
Spokesperson for Pobal Cill Chomain John Monaghan told Midwest Radio: "Hundreds of people wrote to the department asking for an oral hearing on this and that has been denied to them…The people who are potentially affected are having no say in the matter."