Way being paved for essential works to proceed at Mayo natural gas terminal

The annual test of the emergency blowdown system at Bellanaboy Bridge gas terminal takes place on Monday.

During the course of the test, members of the public can expect to witness flame from the flare.

This, according to the operators of the plant, Vermillion Exploration and Production Ireland Limited, is the result of the combustion of the gas as the depressurisation activity progresses.

Flaring will also be audible at high flow rates.

The conducting of the test poses no risk to the local community or the personnel working at the terminal, the company outlined.

In a public notice published in local newspapers, Vermillion E&P Ireland Limited confirmed it will carry out essential engineering and maintenance works on the terminal post- depressurisation for approximately four weeks, including out of hours work.

One of these activities includes work on the natural gas odourant system at the terminal.

There may be some intermittent flaring during these works - and as the plant is restarted.

The terminal is scheduled to commence start-up activities from August 12 to 15.