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{{Refimprove|date=June 2007}} {{Refimprove|date=June 2007}}
{{POV|date=December 2007}}
{{external links}} {{external links}}
] and residents of ] and ] disagree on whether a gated road leading to Barnacullew pier is public (which would entitle ]'s machine drivers to use it) or is on land belonging to local publican Paddy McGrath (June 2007)]] ] and residents of ] and ] scuffle over ownership of a road (June 2007)]]
⚫ '''Shell to Sea''' (in ], ''Shell chun Sáile'') is a campaign based in ], ] which opposed the proposed construction of a high-pressure raw ] ] through ], and continues to oppose the ongoing construction by ] of a refinery miles from the coastline at ] intended to refine the untreated gas from the ]. The stated aim of the campaign is that the gas be refined at sea (hence the name), thereby making it safer to transport, before it is brought ashore and past people's houses. In their own words:


⚫ '''Shell to Sea''' (in ], ''Shell chun Sáile'') is a campaign based in ], ] which opposed the proposed construction of a high-pressure raw ] ] through ], and continues to oppose the ongoing construction by ] of a refinery at ] intended to refine the untreated gas from the ]. The stated aim of the campaign is that the gas be refined at sea, rather than inland, as they claim the movement of gas could prove a risk to local residents<ref>publicinquiry.ie/pdf/Accufacts_Report_Hi_res.pdf</ref>, a claim refuted by Shell<ref>http://www.shell.com/static/ie-en/downloads/news_and_library/brochures/shell_safety_brochure_08.pdf</ref>
''"Shell to Sea is an international ] campaign, rooted in the ] community. We seek to ensure the proposed Corrib gas ] and pipeline are constructed offshore, as is best practice. In doing so we seek to highlight the negligent ], ], safety, planning and economic consequences of this ]-backed plan. We are not the property of any party or movement and we disassociate ourselves from negative campaigning and tactics that many media outlets have attempted to associate us with. We have been campaigning for several years and continue to face ], ] and significant hardship as a result. However, we are growing in strength, numbers and confidence. We will remain peaceful, committed and determined in the coming days, weeks months - and years if necessary!"''


The most recent poll on the issue taken throughout Mayo (, January 2008) found that 45 per cent supported Shell to Sea’s campaign, 15 per cent supported Shell and the government's plans, and 40 per cent said they had no opinion on the issue or were not really interested. A poll undertaken in Mayo in January 2008 found that 45% supported Shell to Sea’s campaign, 15% supported Shell and the government's plans, and 40% had no opinion<ref>http://www.mayoadvertiser.com/index.php?aid=18</ref>.


==Background== ==Background==


Opposition to the gas consortium and ]'s plans among local residents grew during 2000, when people in ] felt they were not being given adequate answers to questions they had about a refinery and raw gas pipeline intended for their area <ref>Our Story:The Rossport Five</ref>. A ] documentary stated that "huge pressure" had been exerted on ]'s planning office to grant permission for the inland refinery. Due to a loophole in ] (which still exists), no planning permission was necessary for the pipeline. The council duly granted permission, a decision that was immediately appealed to ] (ABP) by local people and environmental groups. Opposition to the gas consortium and ]'s plans among local residents grew during 2000, when many{{who|date=September 2008}} people felt they were not being given adequate answers to questions they had about a refinery and raw gas pipeline intended for their area. A ] documentary stated that "huge pressure" had been exerted on ]'s planning office to grant permission for the inland refinery. Due to a loophole in ], no planning permission was necessary for the pipeline. The council duly granted permission, a decision that was immediately appealed to ] (ABP) by local people and environmental groups.


After holding an unprecedented two hearings, and producing a damning report on the refinery proposition, ABP refused permission in 2002. Setting another precedent, this decision was reversed in 2003 after political pressure from the ] government (see ]). After holding two hearings, one being the norm, and producing a report on the refinery proposition, ABP refused permission in 2002. Setting another precedent, this decision was reversed in 2003 after political pressure from the ] government{{fact|date=September 2008}} (see ]).


Local landowners in ] were told that the raw gas pipeline would be coming through their lands, and if they didn't agree a settlement with Shell, it would be forced upon them by the use of ]s (made possible by government legislation not long before). Some agreed to allow Shell on their lands. Others refused, and ], then ] signed thirty-four separate Compulsory Acquisition Orders for Shell. Still some people refused to back down and were threatened with legal action. Out of scores of people who had blocked Shell workers from going on people's property, five men were singled out and brought to court. After refusing to promise to allow Shell put the pipeline through their lands, the men were sentenced to jail indefinitely. They became known as the ]. Local landowners{{who|date=September 2008}} in ] were told that the raw gas pipeline would be coming through their lands. They would be subject to ]s if unable to reach a deal with Shell{{fact|date=September 2008}}. Some{{who|date=September 2008}} agreed to allow Shell on their lands. Others refused, and ], then ] signed 34 Compulsory Acquisition Orders. Those who had refused were threatened with legal action, eventually brought against five protesters, who were sentenced to jail indefinitely after refusing to promise to allow Shell put the pipeline through their lands. They became known as the ].


Local and national reaction was immediate. 24-hour pickets on the Shell sites at Rossport, Bellanaboy and ] began. Rallies in support of the men's stance were held in major towns and cities, and Shell and Statoil filling stations were frequently picketed. The Shell to Sea campaign had begun. 24-hour pickets on the Shell sites at Rossport, Bellanaboy and ] began after their jailing{{fact|date=September 2008}}. Rallies in support of the men's stance were held in major towns and cities, and Shell and Statoil filling stations were picketed{{fact|date=September 2008}}.


==Motivation== ==Motivation==


The campaign has a diverse support base, including people from many different political backgrounds and those with no strong politics at all. ], a ] professor at ], and part-time Rossport resident, told his neighbours that the pipeline intended for Rossport would not even comply with ] standards which were "pretty lax". Many Irish people from outside ] are concerned about aspects of the proposed project beyond the injustice visited on the Rossport Five and the health and safety fears of Erris residents. These include allowing private companies to acquire property without the permission of the owners and what many regard as the amazingly generous terms given to the oil companies by successive Fianna Fáil governments {{Fact|date=February 2008}}. In its rankings of countries' facilitation of oil and gas companies, the ] rates Ireland in its highest, "very favourable" category, along with ] and ]. By comparison, Nigeria is rated average. Mike Cunningham, a former director of Statoil, said: ''"No country in the world gives as favourable terms to the oil companies as Ireland."'' This is a result of legislation created by ], a Dublin politician who was imprisoned in 2005 by the Tribunals of Inquiry into corruption allegations, dating from the time when he served as Minister of Communications and Energy. The campaign has a diverse support base, including people from many different political backgrounds and those with no strong politics at all{{fact|date=September 2008}}. ], a ] professor at ], and part-time Rossport resident, told his neighbours that the pipeline intended for Rossport would not even comply with ] standards which were "pretty lax"<ref>http://www.guardian.co.uk/international/story/0,,1530695,00.html</ref>. In its rankings of countries' facilitation of oil and gas companies, the ] rates Ireland in its highest, "very favourable" category, along with ] and ]. By comparison, Nigeria is rated average. Mike Cunningham, a former director of Statoil, said: ''"No country in the world gives as favourable terms to the oil companies as Ireland."'' This is a result of legislation created by ], who served as Minister of Communications and Energy.


] on a ] by the ] ]]] ] on a ] by the ] ]]]


This disgruntlement means Shell to Sea is able to draw on support across Ireland, and there are branches in almost all the cities and major towns. People from the ] now resident in Ireland have been especially interested and supportive of the campaign, having had first-hand experience of living in an area that Shell has been active in, and many have visited the area to show support. A mural of ], who was executed after leading a campaign to reduce Shell's influence in ], has been painted on a gable in Rossport. People from the ] now resident in Ireland have been especially interested and supportive of the campaign, having had first-hand experience of living in an area that Shell has been active in, and many have visited the area to show support{{fact|date=September 2008}}. A mural of ], who was executed after leading a campaign to reduce Shell's influence in ], has been painted on a gable in Rossport.


==Alleged smears==
There is also a belief amongst many people that the volume of resources declared are a fraction of those that really exist there, to prevent renegotiation by the Irish state of the less than favourable (to Ireland) terms of contract.{{Fact|date=February 2008}}


⚫ It has been claimed that the ] or ] have an element of control over the Shell to Sea campaign. This story has been encouraged by the former Minister for Justice ], various national newspapers and local businessmen{{fact|date=September 2008}}. Members of many different political groups are involved in the campaign, and prominent local Sinn Féin member Paddy Ruddy works for Shell. Most local campaigners are former Fianna Fáil and ] supporters, and Philip McGrath, one of the Rossport Five, used to be an election agent for Fine Gael leader ].


⚫ Before this, members of the campaign were caricatured as tree-hugging ] and "sub-intellectual" ]{{fact|date=September 2008}}. Stories of intimidation of project supporters have also been rife, but these have been rubbished by local Fine Gael ] ]. Ring was originally a staunch supporter of Shell to Sea until but now opposes their actions<ref></ref>. Allegations of intimidation were also made by the Gardaí, though there have been no arrests made or individuals questioned. Pro-Shell businessman and president of ] ] ] told the media that what is being described as "intimidation" is actually ]ing of pro-Shell businesses by Shell to Sea supporters. He told the ]: ''"It has never been anything more serious than that, but that is serious enough."''<ref>http://www.corribsos.com/index.php?id=1105</ref>
==Smear campaign==

⚫ Attempts to smear the campaign have been diverse. The most durable has been the claim that the ] or ] control it, or somehow pull its strings. This story has been encouraged by the former Minister for Justice ] (an implacable foe of Sinn Féin and staunch supporter of Shell's plans), various national newspapers (] is a particularly vociferous opponent of the campaign) and local businessmen. Members of many different political groups are involved in the campaign, and prominent local Sinn Féin member Paddy Ruddy works for Shell (originally on the construction end, then promoted to spokesman). Most local campaigners are former Fianna Fáil and ] supporters, and Philip McGrath (one of the Rossport Five) used to be an election agent for Fine Gael leader ].

Before this, the caricatures were of tree-hugging ] and "sub-intellectual" ]. Stories of intimidation of project supporters have also been rife, but these have been rubbished by local Fine Gael ] ]. Ring was a staunch supporter of Shell to Sea until brought into line with the rest of the party by Enda Kenny.
⚫ - <ref></ref> Unsubstantiated allegations of intimidation were also made by the Gardaí, although no-one has ever been arrested or questioned for this, let alone charged. Pro-Shell businessman and president of ] ] ] told the media that what is being described as "intimidation" is actually ]ing of pro-Shell businesses by Shell to Sea supporters. He told the ]: ''"It has never been anything more serious than that, but that is serious enough."''


] at ] Bridge, July 2007]] ] at ] Bridge, July 2007]]


==Current Situation== ==Current Situation==
Riding a wave of public support, the Rossport Five were released in late 2005. The government felt compelled to appoint a negotiator, ], to arbitrate between the campaigners and Shell. As his remit did not include discussing the refinery, he was regarded as a distraction by Shell to Sea. The pickets at Bellanaboy continued for over a year, during which no work was done by Shell. The Rossport Five were released in late 2005. ] was appointed as a negotiator to arbitrate between the campaigners and Shell. As his remit did not include discussing the refinery, he was regarded as a distraction by Shell to Sea. The pickets at Bellanaboy continued for over a year, during which no work was done by Shell.


] from the refinery site at ], April 2007]] ] from the refinery site at ], April 2007]]


On Tuesday September 26<sup>th</sup> 2006, protesters prevented Shell's employees from entering the site of the intended refinery at Bellanaboy to begin work. Around 150 local people along with some supporters from around the country blocked the entrance to the refinery site and the ]s among them (Mayo has the highest percentage of Catholics of any Irish ]) began to recite the ]. The workers turned back after discussions with ].{{Fact|date=September 2007}} On Tuesday September 26 2006, protesters prevented Shell's employees from entering the site of the intended refinery at Bellanaboy to begin work. Around 150 locals and protesters blocked the entrance to the refinery site and began to recite the ]. The workers turned back after discussions with ].{{Fact|date=September 2007}}


One week later on the 3<sup>rd</sup> of October, scores more Gardaí were brought in from around the country, which increased their numbers to around 170. The Gardaí beat protesters away from the site gates and on to, then off, the roads near Bellanaboy for the first time. This marked a departure in Garda tactics which they have held to. The Irish Times reported: ''"The Garda baton charges that occurred on Friday morning in Bellanaboy were not the product of Sinn Féin or Provisional IRA machinations; they were the product of abject Government incompetence."'' A government decision to avoid arresting protesters in order to damp down the negative publicity that would ensue was discussed in the police force's magazine, Garda Review. An attempt was made to block workers' access to the site by lying on the road but protesters were dragged off the road, thrown over fences and into ditches by the Gardaí. A number of people were injured and one young woman was brought to hospital.<ref></ref></br> One week later on the October 3, extra Gardaí were brought in from around the country, which increased their numbers to around 170. The Gardaí removed protesters from the site gates and then off roads near Bellanaboy. The Gardaí used stronger tactics than usual, the Irish Times reported: ''"The Garda baton charges that occurred on Friday morning in Bellanaboy were not the product of Sinn Féin or Provisional IRA machinations; they were the product of abject Government incompetence."''{{fact|date=September 2008}} No protesters were arrested due a policy to ensure no protester was made a "martyr". One woman was brought to hospital during the day.<ref></ref></br>


With the daily protests at Bellanaboy continuing, protesters occupied ] HQ on ]'s Leeson Street.<ref></ref></br> With the daily protests at Bellanaboy continuing, protesters occupied ] HQ on ]'s Leeson Street.<ref></ref></br>


On the 12<sup>th</sup> of October three people were arrested at the morning protests.<ref></ref> On the October 12, three people were arrested at the morning protests.<ref></ref>


On Friday October 20th there was a large scale protest at Bellanaboy, and one protester was arrested and released without charge. <ref></ref> On Friday October 20th there was a large scale protest at Bellanaboy, and one protester was arrested and released without charge. <ref></ref>


⚫ A second large scale protest march was planned for November 10, the anniversary of the execution of ] and eight other anti-Shell activists in ] in 1995. When protesters worked their way around Gardaí lines, clashes occurred, resulting in several injuries. Small groups of demonstrators who had been unable to get to the refinery attempted to blockade the nearby Lennon's quarry which supplies material for the construction of the site. <ref></ref>
During the following weeks, incidents of Garda ] in policing the daily protests became more frequent . This was a result of ] Superintendent ]'s publicly stated policy of avoiding arresting protestors so as not to create "martyrs", leaving those under his command no option but physical force, which made some violence inevitable.

⚫ A second large scale protest march was planned for Friday November 10th, the anniversary of the execution of ] and eight other anti-Shell activists in ] in 1995. When protesters worked their way around police lines, they were attacked with batons. Several were injured and some even hospitalised. Small groups of demonstrators who had been unable to get to the refinery attempted to blockade the nearby Lennon's quarry which supplies material for the construction of the site. <ref></ref> The Gardaí were even less restrained here due to the lack of any significant media presence.


There was political controversy in Ireland about the use of such force on a peaceful demonstration. The ] ] ] said in a statement that the ]'s position was clear in relation to the Corrib gas situation - that the negotiating is over and "that is it". In relation to the policing of the protests, he and Opposition leader Enda Kenny would only reiterate that "the law must be obeyed". There was political controversy in Ireland about the use of such force on a peaceful demonstration. The ] ] ] said in a statement that the ]'s position was clear in relation to the Corrib gas situation - that the negotiating is over and "that is it". In relation to the policing of the protests, he and Opposition leader Enda Kenny would only reiterate that "the law must be obeyed".


A further large scale protest at Bellanaboy scheduled for November 24th was cancelled by the protesters for fear of increased Garda belligerence that would have resulted in serious injury. A further large scale protest at Bellanaboy scheduled for November 24 was cancelled by the protesters for fear of further injuries would be sustained in clashes with Gardaí.


] ], ] TD, ] TD, ] TD. Back: ] president ] TD and ] ].]] ] ], ] TD, ] TD, ] TD. Back: ] president ] TD and ] ].]]
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=== 2007 === === 2007 ===


'''June''': on the 5th, five protestors chained themselves together outside the ] facility in ] near ] where Shell have being dumping the peat removed from Bellinaboy. While rank-and-file Gardaí calmly awaited the arrival of the ] to cut through the protestors' sophisticated "]", Superintendent Gannon seemed beside himself with rage, referring to one female protestor as a "]" . On June 5, five protestors chained themselves together outside the ] facility in ] near ] where Shell have being dumping the peat removed from Bellinaboy. While Gardaí awaited the arrival of the ] to cut through the protestors' sophisticated "]", a superintendent allegedly called a female protester a "]"{{fact|date=September 2008}}.


]'s Irish HQ, ], ], May 2007]] ]'s Irish HQ, ], ], May 2007]]


'''September''': on the 12th, a protester from Dublin charged with public order offences has his case dismissed in ] because of conflicting Garda evidence. Om September 13th Judge Mary Devins delivers a judgement in the case of the protesters who had locked themselves together to stop peat stripping in June. The Judge likens the protest to ] in 1989, and demonstrations in Dublin by groups of farmers and taxi drivers which blocked traffic. She dismisses most of the charges and sentences the five to community service for "reckless behavior". These judgements are seen as encouraging for non-violent direct action style protests in the future. The judge also disclosed that she had been receiving letters about the campaign and the cases before her, some sent anonymously. <ref></ref></br> On September 12, a protester from Dublin charged with public order offences has his case dismissed in ] because of conflicting Garda evidence. On September 13, Judge Mary Devins likened the protest to ] in 1989, and demonstrations in Dublin by groups of farmers and taxi drivers, while delivering a verdict on the protesters who had chained themselves together in June. She dismissed most of the charges and sentenced the five to community service for "reckless behavior". The judge also disclosed that she had been receiving letters about the campaign and the cases before her, some sent anonymously. <ref></ref></br>


=== 2008 === === 2008 ===


In April 2008, a new group was set up by people formerly active in Shell to Sea. ] proposed moving the refinery to Glinsk, which would have removed the necessity to transport the raw untreated gas near people's homes and under roads, and also saved Shell the extra cost of refining offshore. The proposal was rejected by Shell. In April 2008, a new group was set up by people formerly active in Shell to Sea. ] proposed moving the refinery to Glinsk, which would have removed the necessity to transport the raw untreated gas near people's homes and under roads, and also saved Shell the extra cost of refining offshore. The proposal was rejected by Shell{{fact|date=September 2008}}.


], August 2008]] ], August 2008]]


In August 2008, Shell to Sea began training for marine protests in anticipation of the arrival of the ] pipe-laying ship '']'', the biggest of its kind in the world. The Shell to Sea fleet was composed mostly of inflatable dinghies and kayaks, but also included a small sailboat, a ], and two ]s, one of which was used purely as a safety boat. All were named after historical figures, and blessed by parish priest Fr. Nallen at Glengad pier in early September. In August 2008, Shell to Sea began training for marine protests in anticipation of the arrival of the ] pipe-laying ship '']'', the biggest of its kind in the world. The Shell to Sea fleet was composed mostly of inflatable dinghies and kayaks, but also included a small sailboat, a ], and two ]s, one of which was used purely as a safety boat.


]'', ], September 2008]] ]'', ], September 2008]]


In the meantime, ] fisherman Pat O'Donnell laid 800 crab pots along the intended path of the Solitaire, and defended them from Shell survey boats which attempted to remove them. Two ] gunboats arrived in Broadhaven Bay to assist the ] in dealing with the protests, a quarter of the navy's eight ships. The Solitaire was boarded by Shell to Sea activists in ] and asked not to come to Mayo. It was the first boarding of a vessel from kayaks by activists in protest history. Not long after it arrived to Mayo's coast, after being buzzed by craft of all kinds, the ship's company said it had suffered damage to its crane. It returned to Donegal, where it remains. In the meantime, a local ] fisherman laid 800 crab pots along the intended path of the Solitaire, and defended them from Shell survey boats which attempted to remove them. Two ] ships arrived in Broadhaven Bay to assist the ] in dealing with the protests. The Solitaire was boarded by Shell to Sea activists in ]. Not long after it arrived to Mayo's coast, the ship's company said it had suffered damage to its crane. It returned to Donegal, and has since returned to Britain for repairs.

⚫ ] and ]-based ] guard a section of fence on Glengad beach which had been openly destroyed by a group of forty people in September 2008]]


⚫ ]r ], is detained by four Gardaí in September 2008. A Shell security guard tapes the detention]]
⚫ ] and ]-based ] guard a section of fence on Glengad beach which had been openly destroyed by a group of forty people in order to maintain a ], September 2008. No charges were brought]]


On September 15, an ] was found outside the Dublin HQ of ] <ref>http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2008/0916/1221430255966.html</ref>.
⚫ ]r ], is detained by four Gardaí while exercising a right-of-way across Glengad beach, September 2008. A Shell security guard tapes the detention]]


==Gallery of campaign material== ==Gallery of campaign material==


The Shell to Sea campaign has generated a lot of creative campaign material. The Shell to Sea campaign has generated some campaign material.


<gallery> <gallery>
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</gallery> </gallery>


== Shell to Sea hunger strike == == Hunger strike ==


On the 9th of September 2008, Shell to Sea campaigner ] began a ] to coincide with the arrival of the Solitaire, the ] pipe-laying vessel, in ]. Harrington is the principal of Inver Primary School, by Broadhaven Bay. <ref>http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2008/0910/breaking8.html?via=mr</ref> On the September 9 2008, Shell to Sea campaigner ] began a ] to coincide with the arrival of the Solitaire, the ] pipe-laying vessel, in ]. Harrington is the principal of Inver Primary School, by Broadhaven Bay <ref>http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2008/0910/breaking8.html?via=mr</ref>. She ended her protest on September 19, after the ship was damaged and had to leave Ireland for repairs, criticising protesters who were willing to compromise in the process<ref>http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2008/0920/1221835126751.html</ref>.


==References== ==References==
{{reflist}}
<references/>


==See also== ==See also==
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==External links== ==External links==
* *
*


{{Shell oil}} {{Shell oil}}

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Members of An Garda Síochána and residents of Glengad and Barnacullew scuffle over ownership of a road (June 2007)

Shell to Sea (in Irish, Shell chun Sáile) is a campaign based in County Mayo, Ireland which opposed the proposed construction of a high-pressure raw gas pipeline through Rossport, and continues to oppose the ongoing construction by Royal Dutch Shell of a refinery at Bellanaboy intended to refine the untreated gas from the Corrib gas field. The stated aim of the campaign is that the gas be refined at sea, rather than inland, as they claim the movement of gas could prove a risk to local residents, a claim refuted by Shell

A poll undertaken in Mayo in January 2008 found that 45% supported Shell to Sea’s campaign, 15% supported Shell and the government's plans, and 40% had no opinion.

Background

Opposition to the gas consortium and government's plans among local residents grew during 2000, when many people felt they were not being given adequate answers to questions they had about a refinery and raw gas pipeline intended for their area. A Channel Four documentary stated that "huge pressure" had been exerted on Mayo County Council's planning office to grant permission for the inland refinery. Due to a loophole in Irish law, no planning permission was necessary for the pipeline. The council duly granted permission, a decision that was immediately appealed to An Bord Pleanála (ABP) by local people and environmental groups.

After holding two hearings, one being the norm, and producing a report on the refinery proposition, ABP refused permission in 2002. Setting another precedent, this decision was reversed in 2003 after political pressure from the Fianna Fáil government (see Corrib gas controversy).

Local landowners in Rossport were told that the raw gas pipeline would be coming through their lands. They would be subject to Compulsory Acqusition Orders if unable to reach a deal with Shell. Some agreed to allow Shell on their lands. Others refused, and Frank Fahey, then Minister for the Marine & Natural Resources signed 34 Compulsory Acquisition Orders. Those who had refused were threatened with legal action, eventually brought against five protesters, who were sentenced to jail indefinitely after refusing to promise to allow Shell put the pipeline through their lands. They became known as the Rossport Five.

24-hour pickets on the Shell sites at Rossport, Bellanaboy and Glengad began after their jailing. Rallies in support of the men's stance were held in major towns and cities, and Shell and Statoil filling stations were picketed.

Motivation

The campaign has a diverse support base, including people from many different political backgrounds and those with no strong politics at all. Werner Blau, a physics professor at Trinity College, Dublin, and part-time Rossport resident, told his neighbours that the pipeline intended for Rossport would not even comply with United States standards which were "pretty lax". In its rankings of countries' facilitation of oil and gas companies, the World Bank rates Ireland in its highest, "very favourable" category, along with Pakistan and Argentina. By comparison, Nigeria is rated average. Mike Cunningham, a former director of Statoil, said: "No country in the world gives as favourable terms to the oil companies as Ireland." This is a result of legislation created by Ray Burke, who served as Minister of Communications and Energy.

Shell to Sea mural on a gable by the Glenamoy River

People from the Niger Delta now resident in Ireland have been especially interested and supportive of the campaign, having had first-hand experience of living in an area that Shell has been active in, and many have visited the area to show support. A mural of Ken Saro-Wiwa, who was executed after leading a campaign to reduce Shell's influence in Ogoniland, has been painted on a gable in Rossport.

Alleged smears

It has been claimed that the IRA or Sinn Féin have an element of control over the Shell to Sea campaign. This story has been encouraged by the former Minister for Justice Michael McDowell, various national newspapers and local businessmen. Members of many different political groups are involved in the campaign, and prominent local Sinn Féin member Paddy Ruddy works for Shell. Most local campaigners are former Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael supporters, and Philip McGrath, one of the Rossport Five, used to be an election agent for Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny.

Before this, members of the campaign were caricatured as tree-hugging hippies and "sub-intellectual" peasants. Stories of intimidation of project supporters have also been rife, but these have been rubbished by local Fine Gael TD Michael Ring. Ring was originally a staunch supporter of Shell to Sea until but now opposes their actions. Allegations of intimidation were also made by the Gardaí, though there have been no arrests made or individuals questioned. Pro-Shell businessman and president of Belmullet chamber of commerce Derek Reilly told the media that what is being described as "intimidation" is actually boycotting of pro-Shell businesses by Shell to Sea supporters. He told the Irish Times: "It has never been anything more serious than that, but that is serious enough."

File:Terence and Bob's lock-on.jpg
Lock-on at Bellinaboy Bridge, July 2007

Current Situation

The Rossport Five were released in late 2005. Peter Cassells was appointed as a negotiator to arbitrate between the campaigners and Shell. As his remit did not include discussing the refinery, he was regarded as a distraction by Shell to Sea. The pickets at Bellanaboy continued for over a year, during which no work was done by Shell.

File:Shell ireland protest.jpg
A protester attempts to handcuff herself to a lorry removing peat from the refinery site at Bellinaboy, April 2007

On Tuesday September 26 2006, protesters prevented Shell's employees from entering the site of the intended refinery at Bellanaboy to begin work. Around 150 locals and protesters blocked the entrance to the refinery site and began to recite the rosary. The workers turned back after discussions with Gardaí.

One week later on the October 3, extra Gardaí were brought in from around the country, which increased their numbers to around 170. The Gardaí removed protesters from the site gates and then off roads near Bellanaboy. The Gardaí used stronger tactics than usual, the Irish Times reported: "The Garda baton charges that occurred on Friday morning in Bellanaboy were not the product of Sinn Féin or Provisional IRA machinations; they were the product of abject Government incompetence." No protesters were arrested due a policy to ensure no protester was made a "martyr". One woman was brought to hospital during the day.

With the daily protests at Bellanaboy continuing, protesters occupied Shell Ireland HQ on Dublin's Leeson Street.

On the October 12, three people were arrested at the morning protests.

On Friday October 20th there was a large scale protest at Bellanaboy, and one protester was arrested and released without charge.

A second large scale protest march was planned for November 10, the anniversary of the execution of Ken Saro Wiwa and eight other anti-Shell activists in Nigeria in 1995. When protesters worked their way around Gardaí lines, clashes occurred, resulting in several injuries. Small groups of demonstrators who had been unable to get to the refinery attempted to blockade the nearby Lennon's quarry which supplies material for the construction of the site.

There was political controversy in Ireland about the use of such force on a peaceful demonstration. The Fianna Fáil Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said in a statement that the Irish government's position was clear in relation to the Corrib gas situation - that the negotiating is over and "that is it". In relation to the policing of the protests, he and Opposition leader Enda Kenny would only reiterate that "the law must be obeyed".

A further large scale protest at Bellanaboy scheduled for November 24 was cancelled by the protesters for fear of further injuries would be sustained in clashes with Gardaí.

File:8806 greens2s 21nov06web.jpg
Shell to Sea press conference, November 2006. Front (L-R):Martin Ferris TD, Jerry Cowley TD, Joe Higgins TD, Trevor Sargent TD. Back: Labour Party president Michael D. Higgins TD and Senator David Norris.

2007

On June 5, five protestors chained themselves together outside the Bord na Móna facility in Srahmore near Bangor Erris where Shell have being dumping the peat removed from Bellinaboy. While Gardaí awaited the arrival of the fire brigade to cut through the protestors' sophisticated "lock-on", a superintendent allegedly called a female protester a "cunt".

Demonstration and blockade at Shell's Irish HQ, Leeson Street, Dublin, May 2007

On September 12, a protester from Dublin charged with public order offences has his case dismissed in Belmullet because of conflicting Garda evidence. On September 13, Judge Mary Devins likened the protest to Tiananmen Square in 1989, and demonstrations in Dublin by groups of farmers and taxi drivers, while delivering a verdict on the protesters who had chained themselves together in June. She dismissed most of the charges and sentenced the five to community service for "reckless behavior". The judge also disclosed that she had been receiving letters about the campaign and the cases before her, some sent anonymously.

2008

In April 2008, a new group was set up by people formerly active in Shell to Sea. Pobal Chill Chomáin proposed moving the refinery to Glinsk, which would have removed the necessity to transport the raw untreated gas near people's homes and under roads, and also saved Shell the extra cost of refining offshore. The proposal was rejected by Shell.

File:Shell to Sea kayak training.jpg
Shell to Sea kayak training, Glengad, August 2008

In August 2008, Shell to Sea began training for marine protests in anticipation of the arrival of the Allseas pipe-laying ship Solitaire, the biggest of its kind in the world. The Shell to Sea fleet was composed mostly of inflatable dinghies and kayaks, but also included a small sailboat, a currach, and two rigid-hulled inflatable boats, one of which was used purely as a safety boat.

File:Kayakers board Solitaire.jpg
A member of a five-man team guards the boats while his colleagues board the pipe-laying ship Solitaire, Killybegs, September 2008

In the meantime, a local Porturlin fisherman laid 800 crab pots along the intended path of the Solitaire, and defended them from Shell survey boats which attempted to remove them. Two Irish Navy ships arrived in Broadhaven Bay to assist the Garda Water Unit in dealing with the protests. The Solitaire was boarded by Shell to Sea activists in Killybegs. Not long after it arrived to Mayo's coast, the ship's company said it had suffered damage to its crane. It returned to Donegal, and has since returned to Britain for repairs.

File:Guardians of the fence.jpg
Members of An Garda Síochána and Naas-based Integrated Risk Management Services guard a section of fence on Glengad beach which had been openly destroyed by a group of forty people in September 2008
File:Iollan's "arrest".jpg
Iollan Ó'Mongáin, son of hunger striker Maura Harrington, is detained by four Gardaí in September 2008. A Shell security guard tapes the detention

On September 15, an improvised explosive device was found outside the Dublin HQ of Shell Ireland .

Gallery of campaign material

The Shell to Sea campaign has generated some campaign material.

Hunger strike

On the September 9 2008, Shell to Sea campaigner Maura Harrington began a hunger strike to coincide with the arrival of the Solitaire, the Allseas pipe-laying vessel, in Broadhaven Bay. Harrington is the principal of Inver Primary School, by Broadhaven Bay . She ended her protest on September 19, after the ship was damaged and had to leave Ireland for repairs, criticising protesters who were willing to compromise in the process.

References

  1. publicinquiry.ie/pdf/Accufacts_Report_Hi_res.pdf
  2. http://www.shell.com/static/ie-en/downloads/news_and_library/brochures/shell_safety_brochure_08.pdf
  3. http://www.mayoadvertiser.com/index.php?aid=18
  4. http://www.guardian.co.uk/international/story/0,,1530695,00.html
  5. Irish Independent 21st October 2006
  6. http://www.corribsos.com/index.php?id=1105
  7. "Mayo News" article 3rd October 2006
  8. RTE news report 11th October
  9. RTE news report 12th October 2006
  10. RTÉ NEWS OCTOBER 20TH 2006
  11. RTE News November 10th
  12. "Western People" article 20th September 2007
  13. http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2008/0916/1221430255966.html
  14. http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2008/0910/breaking8.html?via=mr
  15. http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2008/0920/1221835126751.html

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