Shell to Sea Meets Ministers Ryan and Ó Cuív – Nothing New From Government

Monday September 29, 2008

No solution or new thinking on the Corrib fiasco from the pro-Shell Government emerges from cynical PR exercise

A number of groups from Erris and Co. Mayo went to meet with two government ministers, Éamon Ryan (Natural Resources) and Éamon Ó Cuív (Gaeltacht & Community Affairs) in Ballina today. These groups included Shell to Sea, Pobal Chill Chomáin, and Pobal le Chéile; a number of Erris fishermen accompanied by the parish priest of Kilcommon also met the ministers despite not having been invited.

The ministers also met with the Pro- Gas Mayo Group and the Council for the West, organisations that could be candidly described as ‘astroturf’ (i.e. fake grassroots) and stalking horses for Shell. Following these encounters, the ministers met with the TDs for Mayo and county councillors from Erris, to round off what was a cynical PR exercise by an alarmed clueless government.

In the wake of recent events in Erris, Co. Mayo, when Shell’s pipe laying ship the Solitaire was made to leave Broadhaven Bay amid controversy, alleged structural damage and determined community protests, the Irish government hurriedly issued invites to community groups from the Erris area to meet with Ministers Éamon Ryan and Éamon Ó Cuív, who would be accompanied by their departmental secretaries, and Ciarán Ó hÓbáin who is the Principal Officer of the Petroleum Affairs Division of the Dept. of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources.

After having met Pobal Chill Chomáin, Pobal le Chéile and the Pro-Gas Mayo Group/Council for the West, the ministers met with the Shell to Sea delegation just after 1p.m, over an hour later than specified on the invitation. Ó Cuív and Ryan then attempted to delay the meeting even further again by using the RTÉ crew’s timetable worries as an excuse.

The Shell to Sea delegation stood their ground forcefully, and got the ministers to start the meeting immediately.

It was clear from the off that the government had nothing new to offer in terms of a solution to the Corrib Gas fiasco or indeed any new thinking at all, when Ryan began the talking by describing the encounter as a ‘listening exercise’.

Ryan and Ó Cuív indeed had to listen, as the delegation described to him again in detail the brutalisation of a community at the hands of a corrupt alliance of Shell and the state, the destruction of one of the few environments in Ireland worthy of being called ‘unspoilt’, and the corruption endemic in Irish public life that made (and makes) the Great Gas Robbery possible.

Strangely, it was the latter charge of endemic corruption that drew a response from Ó Cuív, who was indignant that his profession and his colleagues could be so impugned. The delegation pointed out to him that not only was one of his ‘colleagues’ convicted and jailed for such corruption (the ever-relevant Ray Burke), that Mr. Ryan beside him had also been in the impugners’ chorus before the Greena Fáil shotgun marriage last June.

In this reporter’s opinion, some of Mr. Ó Cuív’s contributions bordered on the bizarre, referring to half-forgotten meetings in Belmullet in 2002 and that ‘in my enquiries in the 1990s on this issue non-Fianna Fáil sources assured me that there was nothing wrong with the offshore licensing terms’.

These ‘non-FF sources’ turned out on further probing to be senior civil servants from the Petroleum Affairs Division of Mr. Ryan’s department, of whom most would have long career histories with major oil companies. It goes to show the calibre and disinterestedness of the advice the government receives on these matters.

Both ministers were selectively deaf when it came to the policing of the Corrib Gas dispute. They attempted to fob the delegation off with claims of departmental non-responsibility, but people were having none of it and reminded the ministers and their secretaries that the presence of three navy ships and the Garda Emergency Response Unit are not mere details to be taken up with somebody else, but an integral part of the state/Shell approach in forcing through the Corrib Gas project on an unconsenting community.

Mr. Ryan had the effrontery to opine that the navy ships were there to provide 'safety' , as 'those big boats are very dangerous to go near' (not nearly as dangerous as having a high-pressure raw gas pipe go through your neighbourhood Éamon!)

They were also reminded that they will have to deal with this facet of the controversy eventually, either on the floor of Dáil Éireann or in the court of public opinion.Not only were the ministers bereft of any new ideas, it was also intimated to Shell to Sea that Shell would get permission from the Parks and Wildlife Service to continue works at the Glengad landfall site into October and beyond, in open breach of the conditions attached to the planning permission granted originally.

While it is always good to speak truth to power whenever possible, today’s exercise left a bad aftertaste, because there is no real listening going on at government level concerning the Corrib Gas project, only the re-iteration of ‘it’s going ahead anyway’ and the sheer cynicism of he who supported Shell to Sea in the past saying he’s doing all in his power to ensure that this odious project is ‘safe, legal, and environmentally correct’.

Now, if you wonder who the Pro-Gas Mayo group are, then go to - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pro_Gas_Mayo_Group

And, if you enjoy your humour black and ironic, try this! - http://www.shell.com/home/Framework?siteId=ie-en&FC2=/i....html

Related Link: http://www.corribsos.com/

Statement from Maura Harrington as she ends hunger strike

I thank Divine Grace and the support of decent people everywhere that the Solitaire has left Irish territorial waters.
The courage of 'the Chief', Pat O'Donnell and his son Jonathan, who fought to uphold their rights at sea, and the tenacity of local people, together with national and international support, in their quest for justice is a testament to what is best in all of us.
Local people have borne the brunt of Shell's arrogance and Government neglect for the past eight years. Yet Corrib remains a national issue because the Government continues to put the profits of Shell before the needs of the Irish people.
Any alternative location for the Corrib Gas infrastructure will not build new schools, new hospitals or contribute to the National Pension Fund. Until we the People benefit from what is rightfully ours, any attempt to extricate Shell and the Government from the mess that is Corrib remains doomed to failure.
It is fitting that the latest episode in the Corrib debacle should occur on the anniversary (by day and date) of the landslides which devastated Glengad and the wider Dooncarton area in 2003. If Shell is capable of any rationality, now is the time for them to accept that they will never put a pipeline through Glengad.
I believe that the Shell to Sea campaign gives hope to all who strive for an Ireland that cherishes all its people equally and upholds values that don't carry a price tag.

Cork Shell to Sea, Green Party shenanigans

Cork Shell to Sea paid a visit to the Green Party office on Douglas St this afternoon as part of the sustained and mounting campaign to get the Solitaire out of Ireland, Shell out to Sea and Irish Gas in the hands of the Irish people.

The group of about 7 activists entered the office and found all the politicians out with a paid worker left running the place. Our quarrel wasn't with her but with her employers so we made our point firmly and clearly and she passed it on.
After a short and cordial discussion we went outside with a banner and leafleted passers-by to an encouraging response.
Around this point we were contacted by Senator Dan Boyle who expressed his irritation with our protest and said he hoped we weren't disrupting visitors to his office.
In much the same way we hope that residents of Erris aren't having their lives disrupted by Shell and Gardai, DanCouncillor Chris O'Leary also contacted us and offered to take a letter to the Party think-in.

Text follows
Eamon Ryan, John Gormley, Trevor Sergeant,All Members, The Green Party.
RE: Maura Harrington, Corrib Gas Project.Green Party Sell-Out.
Dear Sirs/Mesdames,
We are writing motivated and shocked into action by Maura Harrington’s hunger strike, and, as long-time Shell To Sea activists, with a passionate interest in justice, human rights and a clean and safe environment, we are disgusted and disappointed by the Green Party’s recent u-turns on numerous issues, but, principally, the Corrib gas project.
We have read the Green Party principles, and found them to be completely at odds with reality. We ask the Green Party to redeem itself and stand by its principles by:
 Ensuring, by any means necessary, the permanent removal of the Solitaire from Irish territorial waters;
 Supporting the Irish people in the reclamation of their natural resources for the benefit of future life on the planet;
 Apologising to Green Party voters for recent betrayals vis-à-vis Corrib gas project, Tara and military flights through Shannon;
 Issuing a clear statement as to why the Green Party abandoned Shell To Sea.
In the event that the Green Party is unwilling or unable to fulfil these requests, we call for the resignation of all Green Party government Ministers, and the re-writing of Green Party Principles to conform with the new reality.
We invite any Green Party members who are dissatisfied with the current situation to get in touch with us and/or support the aims of Shell To Sea, as they see fit.
Yours,Letter ends
The Green Party principles are worth reading as an aspirational document from a more idealistic hopeful time and they were displayed in the window of the office but on request from us they were removed as they portray a false image of the party.

Maura Harrington Ends Hunger Strike - Solitaire Gone From Irish Waters

Friday September 19, 2008

Maura seals victory over Shell and the state and thanks all who helped on the way

This afternoon, the Shell to Sea campaigner Maura Harrington ended her 10-day-old hunger strike after confirmation that the Solitaire had indeed left Irish waters. She read a statement to the press and the public outside the gates of Shell’s compound at Glengad in Erris, Co. Mayo, and then announced that her hunger strike had come to an end.

In what may be seen in times to come as a landmark victory for people power over the will of an overbearing multinational and state power, Maura Harrington ended her 10-day-old hunger strike this afternoon at 3pm after hearing the news that the Shell pipe-laying ship the Solitaire had left Irish territorial waters after over a week of hanging around in Killybegs, Co. Donegal. The Solitaire left Killybegs late last night or early this morning, and is now currently docked in Clyde Port, Glasgow, in Scotland. It remains unclear what the Solitaire’s future plans are; it is hoped it stays away from Broadhaven Bay for the rest of this year.Maura read a statement to the assembled press and people present at the Shell compound gates. Afterwards, following a brief photo-call, she was hugged joyfully by her many friends present and did the rounds of an elated and relieved crowd. Her energy and good spirits were inspirational after her 10-day ordeal, and once she had finished dealing with the press and accepting the embraces of fellow Shell to Sea campaigners she left with family to begin her recovery at her home.The text of her statement is:‘I thank Divine Grace and the support of decent people everywhere that the Solitaire has left Irish territorial waters.‘The courage of ‘the Chief’, Pat O’Donnell and his son Jonathan, who fought to uphold their rights at sea, and the tenacity of local people, together with national and international support, in their quest for justice is a testament to what is best in all of us.‘Local people have borne the brunt of Shell’s arrogance and Government neglect for the past eight years. Yet Corrib remains a national issue because the Government continues to put the profits of Shell before the needs of the Irish people. Any alternative location for the Corrib Gas infrastructure will not build new schools, new hospitals or contribute to the National Pension Fund. Until we the People benefit from what is rightfully ours, any attempt to extricate Shell and the Government from the mess that is Corrib remains doomed to failure.‘It is fitting that the latest episode in the Corrib debacle should occur on the anniversary (by day and date) of the landslides which devastated Glengad and the wider Dooncarton area in 2003. If Shell is capable of any rationality, now is the time for them to accept that they will never put a pipeline through Glengad.‘I believe that the Shell to Sea campaign gives hope to all who strive for an Ireland that cherishes all its people equally and upholds values that don’t carry a price tag.’
Related Link: http://www.corribsos.com/

Two Arrested After Shell to Sea Rooftop Banner Drop on Shell’s Belmullet HQ

Thursday September 18, 2008

Two Arrested After Shell to Sea Rooftop Banner Drop on Shell’s Belmullet HQ

Gardaí go back on their word – Maura Harrington’s hunger strike continues into ninth day

Shell to Sea paid a visit to Shell’s offices in Belmullet this afternoon and draped a banner from the roof saying ‘Solitaire Out Now’, and protested outside the office until after the workers inside went home. Two people were arrested just after they came down from the roof.Maura Harrington’s hunger strike continued into its ninth day today. Her strike will end when Shell’s pipe-laying ship the Solitaire leaves Irish territorial waters, or she will die.

In a daring action this afternoon at about 4pm, three Shell to Sea activists dropped a banner from the rooftop of the Shell local offices in Belmullet reading ‘Solitaire Out Now’. The banner remained there for over an hour and a half, while shell to Sea supporters protested outside the front of the Shell offices. More banners were draped across the entrance area, and when the shell employees left work at 5:30 they were hailed with a chorus of boos from the assembled protestors. One Shell to Sea campaigner had his name taken by Gardaí for politely attempting to speak to prominent Shell apologist and former journalist Christy Loftus.Two of the three Shell to Sea campaigners who had been on the roof were arrested when they descended to the ground. The Garda in charge of policing this protest, Insp. Martin Byrne went back on word he had given to the Shell to Sea protestors to the effect that the rooftop team would not be arrested if they gave their names and addresses. When the first person came down, he said he would wait until all three were down and then they would all give details together. This did not suit the Gardaí however, and they grabbed him forcibly and dragged him to a waiting Garda van. The second person down wasn’t even given a chance to give his details, and was also dragged to the Garda van. The Gardaí did not arrest the third rooftop team member, and did take identity details from him. The two arrestees were released quickly afterwards.Outside the gates of the Shell landfall site compound in Glengad, Maura Harrington’s hunger strike entered its ninth day today. She remains in good spirits, but the strike is slowly exacting its toll. She remains in her car, under the glare of powerful arc lights and with a constant heavy presence of Gardaí nearby. The 24-hour protective vigil of Shell to Sea campaigners continues to watch over her. Maura’s hunger strike will end when the Shell pipe-laying ship the Solitaire leaves Irish territorial waters. The Solitaire remains at anchor in St. John’s Bay, Killybegs, Co. Donegal at the time of writing.
Related Link: http://www.corribsos.com/

Shell says Solitaire to leave Irish waters today

Thursday September 18, 2008

In the last hour Shell has announced that the Solitaire pipe laying ship is to depart from Irish territorial waters and go to a British port for repair and assessment.

The company has always claimed that it was not responding to pressure from protests against its plan to install an offshore section of production pipeline without any planning permission for the onshore section. Maura Harrington, who is on hunger strike at the Shell compound at Glengad beach, has yet to make a statement, but it is hoped that if the company claim is true, and the ship leaves, then she will end or suspend her protest.

Ring up the Solitaire - Tell Them to Leave Irish Waters!

Rossport Solidarity Camp - Shell to Sea

Let that ship and its owners know your disgust at its continuing presence!The Shell to Sea campaign is requesting that people phone and email the Solitaire and its owners Allseas Group SA to let the ship's captain and crew, and that company know that its continuing presence in Irish waters is unwelcome and that continuing to delay its eventual departure is forcing Maura Harrington to continue her hunger strike. Shell to Sea is asking people to demand that Allseas Group SA unambiguously and publicly announce the Solitaire's imminent departure from Irish waters not to return this year.Allseas' & Solitaire's contact numbers and emails are in the main body text.Contact numbers/emails for the Solitaire, its captain Mr. Simon van der Plicht, and for

Allseas Group SA's legal and public relations depts.:
The Solitairetel.: 0047 5140 7930 ext.
100email: solmaster@solitaire.allseas.comAllseas Group SA Public Relations

Dept.public.relations@allseas.com
Allseas Group SA Legal Dept.
legal@allseas.com

Shell to Sea also requests that carbon copies of your correspondence to the Solitaire and Allseas Group SA be sent to Rossport Solidarity Camp at:
rossportsolidaritycamp@gmail.comfor

those who rely only on the surface mails, here's a few postal addresses for
Allseas Group SA:Allseas Group S.A.
Route de Pra de Plan 18Case Postale 4111618
Châtel-Saint-DenisSwitzerlandtel: +41 21 948 3500fax: +41 21 948 3599
Allseas Marine Services N.V.Stationsstraat 180B-2910
EssenBelgiumtel: +32 3 670 1830fax: +32 3 667 7969
Allseas Engineering bvPoortweg 122612 PA Delft
The Netherlandstel: +31 15 268 1800fax: +31 15 257 1623Allseas EMEAFunchal,Madeira,Portugal
The Allseas SA UK office address in London is not given on Allseas' website.
Get busy with your phones and computers and ask them to leave immediately!

Solitaire Plays Deaf to Pleas to Leave from Shell to Sea!

Sunday September 14, 2008

Shell's pipe-laying ship pretends not to listen: meanwhile 500+ cars join protest rally in Erris

Hunger striker Maura Harrington's daughter Astrid and son Iollan travelled to Killybegs Co. Donegal, today to make a personal plea to the Shell pipe-laying ship the Solitaire and its captain Mr. Simon van der Plicht to leave Irish waters immediately, and allow Maura to end her strike. Meanwhile, over 500 cars (with their drivers and passengers) drove around Erris this afternoon in a massive show of support for Ms. Harrington, who has now entered the sixth day of her hunger strike.
A deputation from Shell to Sea travelled to Killybegs, Co. Donegal today to attempt communications with Shell's pipe-laying ship the Solitaire and with its captain, Mr. Simon van der Plicht. the deputation included two of hunger striker Maura Harrington's children - her daughter Astrid, and her only son Iollan, who was brutally arrested by Shell's Gardaí during yesterday's beach reclamation action in Glengad, Co. Mayo.At about lunchtime, soon after the Shell to Sea deputation arrived in Killybegs, radio contact was established with the Solitaire, which replied to initial VHF radio contact. Once the deputation announced their identity and their purpose over the radio, all radio contact with the Solitaire ceased, and all communications on VHF radio channels were met with silence. Disappointed with the ship's attitude but undaunted, the deputation kept communicating their message to the Solitaire over the radio, with Astrid and Iollan eloquently explaining the current situation in Mayo and why their mother has chosen to go on hunger strike, and they made dignified requests for the Solitaire to leave Irish waters, so that their mother can end her strike. The other ships that were involved in Shell's abortive pipe-laying operation in Mayo were similarly addressed; these communications were also met with silence. A further attempt at communication with Shell's ships some two hours later was met with silence again. The Shell to Sea delegation kept trying to establish communication for about a half an hour, but were ultimately fruitless.Between the communication attempts, Astrid boarded the Irish Naval Service ship the LÉ Eithne, which was moored in Killybegs harbour. She managed to encounter its captain, and she began explaining to him calmly the situation in her home place in NW Co. Mayo and her disgust at the Irish Navy's role in Shell's attempt to begin pipe-laying in Broadhaven Bay, but he walked away from her without commenting. She was then escorted off the ship.Meanwhile back in Co. Mayo a motor car rally of over 500 cars made its way around Erris this afternoon - a sign of the massive support Shell to Sea's and Maura Harrington's stand command in the locality. The rally started at Barnatra at 3:30pm and is continuing at the time of posting.Maura Harrington entered the sixth day of her hunger strike this lunchtime. Her health and spirits remain strong, as she stays in her car parked before the Shell Glengad compound gates. The gates area is kept constantly lit by Shell an an attempt to disrupt her sleeping pattern, and the numerous Gardaí stationed there continue to behave in a aggressive abusive manner. A vigil of supporters keeps watch on Maura 24 hours a day, and help combat the various Garda verbal and physical nastinesses. Her hunger strike will continue until she receives solid assurances from either the Solitaire or its owners Allseas Group SA that the ship will not be pipe-laying in Broadhaven Bay this year and will be leaving Irish territorial waters without delay.Come to Mayo and see for yourself what Shell and the state have done to a resisting unconsenting community!
Related Link: http://www.corribsos.com

Interview with Maura Harrington

http://www.politube.org/list?tab%5Bid%5D=all

Four Arrested as Shell to Sea Reclaim Glengad!

Saturday September 13, 2008

Maura Harrington’s son arrested as Shell’s Cops violently defend Shell’s unwanted compound

Today at 12 noon a group of determined local residents accompanied by Rossport Solidarity Campers asserted their right to walk the foreshore illegally enclosed by Shell into their compound in Glengad. An Garda Siochana once again showed who they really want to work for as they defended Shell’s ‘property’ with their customary zeal and thuggery. Four people were arrested during this action; the Gardaí were particularly rough with those arrested, and the four arrested were released at around 5pm. Maura Harrington’s hunger strike continues..

To show the continuing determination of the Shell to Sea campaign to halt this environmentally and economically destructive Corrib Gas Project, a group of local residents made the attempt to exercise their right to public access to the foreshore at Glengad, where Shell have illegally enclosed a section of the foreshore right down to below the low water mark. One of the many conditions attached to Shell’s operation at Glengad is that they allow the general public access to the entire foreshore. This is also one of the many conditions attached to their operating permission that they blithely ignore, as with so many other ones, and Shell’s Gardaí sure as (S)hell won’t even think of keeping them honest!At the beginning of the action, the participants requested their rightful public access, which was of course refused by Shell’s insecurity headman. They were then informed that the people assembled did not accept the refusal of their right to public access, and that the group would take action to exercise that right. Then out came the fence dismantling tools.Several sections of fence were cut loose from their foundations and pushed back to effect public access to all of Glengad. The immediate Garda response was to fill the fence breach with their bodies and grab anyone who sneaked past their line into the ‘compound’ for arrest. Four people were arrested during this period, and Gardaí were deliberately rough and violent to arrestees. Some of the ‘Garda arresting procedure’ was particularly harrowing to watch, as arrestees screamed in pain from being held in stress positions.A stand-off on the beach between massed Gardaí and locals/Shell to Sea campaigners continued as this reporter left to file this report. Gardaí were also using violence to seize equipment and possessions off from people on the foreshore, allegedly as part of ‘gathering evidence’, grabbing banners and bags indiscriminately and with menace.One of the arrestees is the son of Maura Harrington, who is continuing her hunger strike outside the gates of Shell’s Glengad compound. Gardaí treated him with particular venom, as part of an ongoing campaign of violence and harassment against all his family. Maura’s strike is now in its fifth day. Her health and spirits are still holding up, despite being surrounded 24 hours a day by hostile Gardaí and Shell security. Shell are refusing to confirm unambiguously that they do not intend to attempt pipe-laying works this year, or to unambiguously confirm the departure of the Solitaire from Irish territorial waters. A rotating local vigil is continuing to keep watch on her as her hunger strike continues.
Related Link: http://www.corribsos.com/

Shell to Sea Press Release - September 9th 2008

Shell to Sea campaigner begins Hunger Strike

This evening Shell to Sea campaigner Maura Harrington has begun a Hunger Strike to coincide with the arrival of the Solitaire, pipe-laying vessel in Broadhaven Bay. In a letter that was handed into the Solitaire in Killybegs yesterday, after being previously sent to Allseas Ltd (owner of the Solitaire), Ms Harrington stated that she placed her life in the hands of the Master of the Solitaire, Mr Simon van der Plicht. In her letter, she stated that her hunger strike will end in one of two ways, either that the Solitaire leaves Irish territorial waters or her death.
A constant vigil has started at the gates of the Shell compound at Glengad in support of Maura Harrington and her opposition to the Corrib Gas Project.
For verification phone: Maura Harrington - 087 9591474 or Terence Conway - 086 0866264

Shell claims that the Solitaire is leaving Broadhaven Bay, but says it will take 48 hours

Wednesday September 10, 2008

Story may be a ruse to attempt to kill media reports of hunger strike
RTE and other media outlets are reporting that the Shell pipe laying ship is to leave Broadhaven Bay within 48 hours. Some journalists are speculating that the ship's captain has had a crisis of conscience and has left the area in response to the hunger strike, but Shell's statement claims the move is in response to damage to the ship's equipment. In situations like this, it is usual that false claims are made, and even deals are agreed to, purely to diffuse the situation.

Campaigners remember the lies that were told to Tara campaigners who had tunneled under the roadworks at the ancient site recently. Readers with longer memories will know that in previous hunger strike situations, media outlets have been used to spread misinformation. It is likely that Shell is trying to manage the media coverage of the situation, and a tactical withdrawal at this stage might suit them, since the campaign is going to find it hard to keep the attention of a fickle media when the novelty of the current situation has worn off. It is not clear from Shell's statement why it will take them 48 hours to move a ship back to the Donegal coast, since it can make the trip in a matter of a few hours under normal conditions. rte report here: www.rte.ie/news/2008/0910/corrib.html

Urgent Call Out! Escalation in Erris as Solitaire arrives - solidarity needed

Tuesday September 09
The Solitaire arrived in Broadhaven Bay this evening, as the accompanying security operation was stepped up significantly. Vanloads of Gardaí; including special public order units have started arriving. Local woman Maura Harrington has gone on hunger strike at the gates of the compound. Her demand is that the Solitaire leave the bay or else her hunger strike will continue. Local fisherman Pat O'Donnell has just been arrested whilst trying to defend his lobster pots. Meanwhile, internet services in the area have been mysteriously cut...

Eight Arrested as S2S Flotilla Acts Against Winching Preparations

Thurs. 4th September.

The Shell to Sea Flotilla took to the waves in Broadhaven Bay this evening towards sunset in an attempt to foil winching preparations in advance of the pipe-laying ship the Solitaire’s arrival possibly sometime soon. The intrepid S2S Flotilla were opposed in their mission by Shell’s fleet of security mercenaries, Gardaí, and the Irish Naval service, which were deployed in overwhelming numbers and in an aggressive, deliberately un-safety-conscious manner. Seven S2S marine protestors were arrested and taken to Belmullet Garda station. In a simultaneous action at the gates of the Shell Glengad compound a local man was arrested and taken to Belmullet Garda station. An earlier marine S2S sortie successfully held up shore-based dredging operations in the Glengad compound this afternoon for about two hours; there were no arrests that time.

More Blockades, More Shell War-Boats!

Tuesday September 02, 2008 20:31

Defiance all round by S2S as the Irish Naval Service disgrace themselves again
Report and photos from this morning’s blockade of the Shell compound in Glengad, Erris, Co. Mayo, and the Shell to Sea Flotilla’s second visit to Shell War-Boat Orla which left Broadhaven Bay this afternoon. Also there is confirmation of the arrival of a second Shell War-Boat, the Aoife.

Locals and Solidarity Campers blockaded the shift change at Shell’s pipeline landfall site compound at Glengad about 7am this morning. Protestors assembled before the compound gates at approximately 6:50am. The blockaders were opposed by nearly 40 Gardaí who were in quite confrontational mood, but even so the protest continued for over an hour in spite of the Gardaí being rather rough when pushing back blocking protestors. The protest ended soon after 8am when Gardai forced open a path for the last vehicle to enter the compound. Then, this afternoon at about 1:30pm Shell to Sea Flotilla’s Emerald Squadron took to the sea to once again approach the Shell War-Boat Orla. The purpose of this sortie was to re-attempt communications with the Orla, in order to ascertain her intentions in Broadhaven Bay and to enquire why Shell’s cops had called up a second War-Boat to force through the Corrib Gas Project over the seas, lands and bodies of an unwilling local population. Once again Shell’s gunboat refused communications. S2S Flotilla’s Emerald Squadron repeated their requests, this time as Gaeilge, but they met with another refusal of communications. Meanwhile the Orla was weighing anchor, stoking up and making haste to depart (RSC Coastwatch confirmed Shell War-Boat Orla’s departure from Broadhaven Bay about 2:45pm).They also visually confirmed reports from Erris residents that a second Shell War-Boat had indeed entered Broadhaven Bay early this morning (RSC Coastwatch had missed her entry due to rain and poor visibility). The new Shell War-Boat was identified as the Aoife (P-22), but it was not approached today. It will be investigated more closely in the coming days.Other than the comings and goings of Shell’s War-Boats, there were no other significant movements of Shell vessels. The pipe-laying ship the Solitaire is reported to be still in Killybegs harbour at the time of posting, and its ‘support ship’ the Highland Explorer remains beyond the horizon outside Broadhaven Bay. Little or no work in progress was observed by campers and residents in the Shell Glengad compound.Even though current events have something of a ‘phoney war’ about them, the Shell to Sea campaign remains vigilant on the ground here in Erris. Once again the Shell to Sea campaign and the Solidarity Camp urge all members supporters to come to Mayo, especially if they have good ideas for action and the resolve to follow through. If supporters cannot come then Shell to Sea would greatly appreciate solidarity protests and actions in their home locations. The Solitaire can arrive any day soon – with your help the people of Erris can resist this invasion more effectively!

Related Link: http://www.corribsos.com/

Second Navy Vessel arrives in Broadhaven Bay

Tuesday September 02, 2008

Aoife joins Orla

Another Irish Naval Service warship arrived off the Mayo Coast this afternoon. Given the small sizse of the Irish navy, the priority which is being put on this operation is alarming. As recent events have shown, the Irish coast is often used by criminals importing large quantities of drugs into the country fro further export to Europe, and the navy is supposed to be an impotant line of defence against this. Instead two ships ae being used to intimidate the local population of a small part of the west coast, to discourage protests against Shell.

Last week the LE Orla was deployed, and the Department of Defence claimed it was in suppot of the Garda. What the Gardai could want with a second warship can only be speculated on. Many fear that the Navy will seize fishing gear in the bay and thus help Shell's pipe laying operation. By the time the gear is legally returned, it will be too late to stop the Shell work.

Today's news from Glengad, Erris, Co. Mayo

Sunday August 31, 2008

At about 1pm a delegation of Gardai called to the Rossport Solidarity Camp, ostensibly about informing campers of section 8.1 of the Public Order Act. While annoyed by their presence on the camp, the Gardai were prevented from snooping around the marquees, though the use of a video camera by Gda. Burke (old foe) to follow young children around roused righteous ire in their parents. Once they delivered their utterly pointless message they were escorted off the site to the road and their waiting squad car and van.In the late afternoon, S2S Flotilla exercises were held off the Glengad compound and the marine protest/action squadron used the fine weather today to sharpen their nautical skills. Exercises lasted an hour, followed by a quick shower and off to the next S2S activity.At 6:45 pm local residents and Rossport Solidarity Campers mounted a blockade of the gates of the Shell Glengad compound. This caught the Gardai off balance, and they deployed only in sparse numbers, very slowly, and remained firmly ensconced in their vehicles.

After an hour of blockading, locals and campers returned to the Solidarity Camp for tonight's party on the foreshore (a celebration of our mutual capacity for resistance to the corporate juggernaut and a bit of R&R too!).Still no sign of the Solitaire. The clock is well-burnt now - she remains in Killybegs harbour but she's still a looming threat that must be met.The need for people to come here and help in the struggle to save Erris and stop the Great Gas Robbery remains urgent. Come to Glengad if you can!

Related Link: http://www.corribsos.com/

Shell to Sea Press Release

Sunday August 31, 2008

Navy Warship LÉ ORLA must fly the Shell flag
Text of press release issued this afternoon by Shell to Sea regarding the presence of the Irish Naval Service's warship the LÉ ORLA in Broadhaven Bay, Co. Mayo, as an auxiliary to the Gardaí and Shell Security. Please read main body text for details.
Shell to Sea Press Release - Sun. 31st August 2008Navy Warship LÉ ORLA must fly the Shell flagLate last week the Irish Navy Warship, the LÉ ORLA arrived in Broadhaven Bay to support Gardaí and Shell Security who persist in pushing the Corrib Gas Project on by force.According to Irish Defence Force and Military information the LÉ ORLA is a high speed vessel, designed to move rapidly about the patrol area and to bring her considerable firepower to bear where necessary.At approximately 5pm on Saturday 30th August a squadron of Shell to Sea kayaks put to sea in order to deliver a message to the Captain of the LÉ ORLA.The Shell to Sea ‘Shamrock Squadron’ paddled to within a respectful distance of the warship and the ‘James Connolly’ attempted to establish contact with the navy vessel on channels 14 and 16 of the VHF radio, in order to determine the intentions of the Captain and his crew.The Captain failed to respond to radio communication and consequently the Shamrock Squadron paddled closer to establish visual and verbal communication – to be seen and heard.A request to speak to the Captain was denied.Concerns about the presence of the warship were expressed to the Officers on the deck of the LÉ ORLA and they were asked to declare their intentions. Although the officers listened, they did not respond and would not communicate in any way.Shamrock Squadron invoked their constitutional rights to act in the defence of the natural resources of the State which have been given to Shell and the Corrib Gas consortium. The Irish navy crew were asked whether they intended to assist in the protection of those natural resources or act in collusion with Shell and participate in the ‘Great Gas Giveaway’.“Without any clear intention from you we assume that you are acting for Shell”, said one of the Shell to Sea crew. “It’s confusing for us that you are flying the Irish flag from the mast of your ship on behalf of Shell, as we fly the flag on behalf of the Irish people. We maintain the right to fly the flag and we say that you are no longer entitled to fly the Irish flag”.The navy officers were offered a Shell flag to fly from their mast which they would not accept.An invitation to the Captain to come to dinner at the Rossport Solidarity Camp was declined.The Shamrock Squadron thanked the navy crew for their attention and paddled back to shore.Shell to Sea marine activists are experienced in dealing with the Spanish, German, Dutch, Royal and US Navies. This fresh threat from the Irish Navy, which comes in addition to the overwhelming numbers of Gardaí and Shell security in the area, is totally disproportionate to the legitimate protest which will continue against the Shell Corrib Gas Project in spite of this unprecedented development.ENDS.

For verification or comment contact Niall Harnett at 086 8444966.
Related Link: http://www.corribsos.com