Sunday 26 September 2010

Shell's investigation resumes as protest ends

SHELL EP Ireland has resumed investigative work on the proposed new Corrib pipeline route in north Mayo, following suspension of activity when two Shell to Sea campaigners boarded one of the drilling rigs.

The two campaigners from the Rossport Solidarity Camp secured themselves with a hammock under the drilling rig for 12 hours on Monday from shortly after 7am until 7pm. They were wearing dry suits and had food, and left voluntarily when work was due to finish on the drilling rigs under the licensing terms.

Two other protesters were arrested by gardaí during the demonstration, which began when nine kayakers and swimmers approached the two drilling rigs contracted by Shell to drill up to 80 boreholes in Sruwaddaccon estuary, a special area of conservation. The two detained were later released and a file sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

One Garda rigid inflatable boat and up to 13 Shell and security inflatables were monitoring the demonstrators throughout the day.

The Bord Pleanála hearing into the new pipeline under the Strategic Infrastructure Act is continuing this week in Belmullet.

Irish Times

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