Corrib

Corrib is a toponym used in Ireland for both a river and an offshore natural gas field, among other uses. The River Corrib is located in County Galway, rising from Lough Corrib and flowing through Galway City before it reaches Galway Bay. Lough Corrib is one of Ireland’s largest lakes and the river forms a key waterway in the region, supporting urban drainage, fisheries, and recreational activities.

The Corrib gas field is an offshore natural gas discovery in the Atlantic Ocean, west of Ireland’s west coast near County Mayo and Connemara. It was discovered in 1996 and has been developed by a consortium that has included international operators such as Statoil (now Equinor) and Shell. The development comprises offshore production facilities, a network of pipelines, and an onshore gas-processing plant at Bellanaboy, County Mayo, connected to the national gas grid. The project has been the subject of prolonged public debate and protest over environmental, safety, and governance concerns, leading to significant delays and legal disputes before reaching operational status. Production from the field began in the mid-2010s, contributing to Ireland’s gas supply.

In summary, Corrib refers to both an inland river system in Galway and an offshore gas field whose development has been prominent in Ireland’s energy and public debate.