The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group has expressed opposition to plans by Shell to carry out underwater testing in Broadhaven Bay, Co Mayo.
The group also says that the procedures adopted for the Corrib gas field development - the biggest Irish offshore project in the history of the State - have been "very disappointing", and it describes the environmental impact assessment submitted for the foreshore work as "totally inadequate".
Shell, which now owns Enterprise Energy Ireland (EEI), has confirmed that a decision will be taken early next week on the timing of tests, as part of work on the onshore pipeline for the Corrib gas terminal. However, the "two test charges" which are planned will only be carried out if there is no dolphin activity in the vicinity, a spokesman said.
The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) questions how the company will know, since no baseline study of marine mammals in the area has been carried out. It says that up to half a dozen species of dolphin have been seen in the bay - a marine special area of conservation - in recent weeks. It also points out that this is the middle of the dolphin breeding season.
"Dolphins use sound under water to communicate and to locate their prey. They are highly sensitive, and blasting creates powerful soundwaves which travel rapidly under water," said the group's spokesman, Mr Shay Fennelly.
A Shell spokesman told The Irish Times that the underwater tests did not constitute "blasting", although charges will be used in the work.
The IWDG is critical of the company's decision to carry out such tests before planning permission for the terminal has been granted. An Bord Pleanála has asked the company for further information and has requested that it seek alternative sites to that at Bellanaboy Bridge.
