SHELL CORRIB PIPELINE UNDER ATTACK

The Shell Corrib gas pipeline has come under attack from all directions in the last week, facing the continuing direct action campaign on the ground (see SchNEWS 733) and a legal challenge in a hearing in North Mayo.

The oral hearing started last Tuesday (24th) and has seen campaigners challenge the legality of the the gas pipeline. Throughout the hearing, which is still in process, Shell has had to defend itself on issues ranging from safety and conservation to compulsory purchase orders.

As yet, the hearing has failed to slow Shell’s drilling operations. This task has been left in the capable hands of Shell to Sea and community activists whose direct action campaign ‘Beat the Boreholes’ continues unabated. Last Sunday (29th) ten activists from the Rossport Solidarity Camp held up work by fixing a rope around the legs of a rig and occupying the space underneath. After around two hours the Gardai arrived and arrested six protesters, forcibly removing the rest. That didn’t stop three activists later returning in kayaks to make a further attempt to stop the rig.

Unfortunately their route was blocked by security in speedboats and one kayaker was arrested. All of the arrested activists were later released without charge.

* See www.shelltosea.com