Community Benefits

The Corrib Gas partners – Vermilion Energy Inc. & Nephin Energy – are committed to working with the local community and delivering sustainable benefits for the West and for Ireland.

Economic Impact

The Corrib gas field development is Ireland’s largest ever energy investment. During its construction:

Over €1 billion was spent with 300 world-class Irish contractors, sub-contractors and consultancies
Over €320 million of indirect benefits flowed to the Irish economy through workers’ wages
More than 6,000 people were involved in bringing Corrib gas to market
12 towns in Mayo and Galway have been connected to the national gas grid by connection to Gas Networks Ireland’s Mayo Galway gas pipeline which will carry gas from the terminal to the gas ring main
The fibre optic cable from Bellanaboy to Galway has enhanced high speed broadband in the region and created new business opportunities
€22 million was invested in local road upgrades

During the operating phase, the Corrib gas field is supporting:

Approximately 150 full-time equivalent jobs, with a significant number of these employing local workers.
Up to 60% of Ireland’s gas needs, representing an important increase in Ireland’s energy security
Some 70 to 80 community partners annually, through partnerships and sponsorships
30 local students annually through scholarships and internships

Local Employment

Fully recognising the importance of working in partnership with the local community, Vermilion is committed to employing local workers where expertise and experience exists and to offering business opportunities to contractors and suppliers in Erris.

At peak construction over 1,400 people were employed on the Corrib project. Between 45% and 50% of this workforce was from the combined Kilcommon, Erris and Mayo communities. The percentage of local people employed has remained at or above the 50% mark. Where relevant expertise and experience exists, the Corrib Partners and the main contractors try to employ local staff.

Local contractors have benefitted hugely from the project – and have, in turn, contributed significantly to its progress and outstanding safety record to date. Shevlin Engineering, Lennon’s Quarries, Barrett’s Quarries, Carey Plant Hire, Belcross Limited, Hegarty Electrical, Artec Construction and Rossglen are all local companies that have worked on the project over several years.

They have gained safety and quality accreditations during their time on the project, putting them in a stronger position to compete for other projects, both in Ireland and further afield. The skills developed and experience gained by many local people, along with the experience built up by a varied group of local contractors, means that Erris itself is better placed to attract other industries and businesses to the area.

The local economy has benefitted in other ways too as a result of the Corrib project. At peak construction, up to 800 people were living in accommodation locally. Local suppliers are providing products and services to the project, while local restaurants and pubs are benefitting from a significant amount of activity at a time when many other rural areas are depressed. Local facilities and amenities are being availed of by the project and its staff.

Community Benefits