IS IT THE END OF THE LINE FOR SHELL?

We mentioned activists’ continued dogged resistance against Shell’s extraction of gas off the coast of Rossport, Ireland  last week (see SchNEWS 781). Here’s a fuller round up:

Shell were due to start work on the final phase of the pipeline construction project on Monday (25th). Protesters were up early - and then up a tripod – stopping trucks reaching the compound all morning. People on bikes and on foot then caused mayhem throughout the afternoon, with only ten vehicles getting into the refinery in total and police being forced to seize bicycles to stop the iron-horse blockaders.

Tuesday and Wednesday saw lock-ons to the gates of the compound, and by this time the police presence had really stepped up a notch. As many as 6 vehicles carrying a variety of security forces.

The Gardai, Shell’s hired goons: IRMS and a cutting team were all deployed to protect the tractors heading for Shell’s premises. With more Gardai jogging alongside the convoy, activists still managed to jump on top of the supply vehicles, causing more delays.

On Thursday, a clever decoy was planned with demonstrators pretending to try and get on to one of the tractors whilst further down the road a tripod was set up without any police hassle. More protesters blockaded the scaffolding firm the Gardai are using to reach people on top of tripods. Only two trucks managed to gain access to the compound that day, and one ended up reversing back inside after failing to get through a rolling blockade of stubbornly limp-limbed activists.

Shell had obviously had enough by Friday and cancelled work for the whole day. Protesters still made their way to the refinery; several getting inside and pulling down fences. There were some injuries during these activities, but the majority chilled out on the road, listening to music and celebrating the distinct lack of vehicle movements.

So in the first week, just two arrests, and only 40 trucks going into the compound out of the 159 Shell had aimed for. See www.rossportsolidaritycamp.org for up to date news, or get over t’Eire!