Workers Solidarity Movement

On the second day of intended works on the controversial Corrib gas project, Shell’s attempts to restart work have yet again been stopped. In an attempt to stop campaigners blocking access to the proposed compound site, private security firm IRM-S parked a vehicle in the gateway, hoping to remove the vehicle when workers attempted to gain access. At 7 o clock yesterday evening a member of Rossport Solidarity Camp turned the security vehicle into a blockade by locking onto the undercarraige of the vehicle stopping it from moving.

The vehicle which was parked at the access point to the site remained immobile all night as the campaigner refused to leave. This morning work could not begin access was stil blocked. In an effort to intimidate campaigners 70 private security men from the firm IRM-S arrived and in the presence of former army Ranger Jim Farrell and manager of the firm violently attacked supporters. A witness was shocked by the level of needless violence and force used. In this action IRM-S were backed up by members of The Garda public order unit who arrested one protestor violently pulling up them from a vehicle. They have subsequently been released without charge.

Gardaí managed to remove the campaigner around 10 o clock this morning, however in the process they had to remove the exhaust from the vehicle and access to the site is still blocked.  According to Shell to Sea "She locked on at 6.30pm on Tuesday and was finally removed at 9am on Wednesday and arrested. She was charged under Section 8 of the Public Order Act and released."

Shell to Sea spokesperson and local resident Maura Harrington said: “This work represents the final attempt by Shell to drive a highly dangerous, experimental, unrefined raw gas pipeline through North Erris. Several other pipeline routes have been successfully resisted by the communities here. Shell and the Government hope to get away with forcing this project through on the pretext that it is somehow vital to the national interest. In fact, Irish people will be buying this gas at the same price we currently pay for gas from Norway. The State will earn very little from either Corrib or future oil and gas fields in Irish waters, unless the Government changes Ireland’s licensing terms.”   

Shell to Sea spokesperson and local resident Terence Conway said: “Now is the time for supporters to come to Erris. Time is of the essence. As expected, Shell is starting with huge fortifications around its planned tunneling compound in Aughoose. We need to stop them erecting these fences.”

Rossport Solidarity Camp are asking campaigners from around the country to "come up straight away or join us for the Days of Action this Friday 1st and Saturday 2nd April. Accomodation & food provided, donations welcome. email or txt 0851141170 for details." Dublin Shell to Sea is organising transport for people to travel to Erris for Friday if numbers permit. If you are interested please contact us ASAP at 086 7362417 or dublins2s@gmail.com

WORDS: Fin IMAGE: Rudger, from the RSC report of the protest on indymedia.ie

More on the Struggle against Shell in Erris