Independent Media Centre Ireland     http://www.indymedia.ie

First Shell blocking of the New Year

category mayo | environment | news report author Saturday January 07, 2012 17:15author by C - RSCauthor email rossportsolidaritycamp at gmail dot comauthor address Aughoose, Erris, Mayoauthor phone 0851141170

Yesterday saw the first disruption of Shell's work of the New Year with a quickly organised protest called for 10am outside Bellanaboy. Overall Shell's work yesterday was stopped for 2 hours and in a further protest today (Saturday), work was stopped for a further 2 & 1/2 hours.
indy1_6thjan.jpg

With the Shell trucks, which were carrying stone and peat to and from the Aughoose compound blocked, it took the Gardaí over an hour to gather sufficient numbers together to move the assembled campaigners from the road. After which the campaigners began walking up and down the road disrupting the single trucks that were intermittently sent out to the test the way for the rest of the Shell haulage. Eventually the Gardaí resorted to arresting 3 members of Rossport Solidarity Camp, who were then brought to Belmullet and charged and released on bail to appear at Belmullet District Court next Wednesday.

Today's protest was a very calm affair with only two Gardai turning up.  Trucks were stopped for 2 & 1/2 hours. 

Commenting on the latest protests, Rossport Solidarity Camp spokesperson Con Coughlan stated “This is the first disruption to Shell plans to lay the onshore pipeline this year but it most certainly won't be the last. We call on everyone who is sick of the way that our democracy has been taken away from us because of unchecked corporate power, to come and support this community in their struggle to have a say what happens in their area”

Con Coughlan continued “Shell made €18.2bn profit in the first 9 months of 2011, and yet still got a €12.7m tax credit from the Irish exchequer last year. Enda Kenny talks about making tough choices, which he seems to think means going after pensioners and the other vulnerable people of our society. Yet he and his Government are continuing the policy of giving away our valuable oil and gas resources to these outrageously rich companies, with no benefit to the country".

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

Shell truck & IRMS van blocked
Shell truck & IRMS van blocked

Garda violence and recklessness still on view
Garda violence and recklessness still on view

Pulling one protestor down from a truck
Pulling one protestor down from a truck

Blocking trucks on Saturday Morning
Blocking trucks on Saturday Morning

Comments (5 of 5)

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author by C - RSCpublication date Sat Jan 07, 2012 17:18author address author phone

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A line of trucks backed up at the Aughoose compound
A line of trucks backed up at the Aughoose compound

author by duncanpublication date Sat Jan 07, 2012 18:38author address author phone

Thanks people, from all us rabbit scared/lazy so called citizens. Consurism/selfishness has killed the outrage. Wake up all us armchair rebels. And thanks to Shell to Sea for having the backbone and spirit to fight these super criminals.

author by Supporter hoping to make it west soonpublication date Sat Jan 07, 2012 19:54author address author phone

keep up the good work and take care of yourselves

author by Jamespublication date Sun Jan 08, 2012 10:02author address author phone

Great to see the pictures - keep indymedia readers informed. Fine work.

author by Unity Jackpublication date Sun Feb 19, 2012 00:24author address author phone

Coal, gas, oil, and atomic energy is destroying the planets' livability and therefore the last forty-eight years of ecological organic green revolution has brought into being the hi and low tech tools to put in place wind, tidal, and solar power which transforms to electricity and is more power than can be used by society. No more blackouts. This non-pollution solution is given freely bey natures kinder laws and provides work for all and forever more. Viva socialist liberation. End pollution wars, not endless wars for more and more pollution.


http://www.indymedia.ie/article/101166

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