IrelandOn-Line: Opponents of Corrib gas pipeline mount Dáil protest: 26 January 2006

Opponents of the Corrib gas pipeline in north Co Mayo have mounted a demonstration outside the Dáil today to protest at the latest activities of Shell.

The global oil firm, which is behind the contentious Corrib project, has sent a high-level delegation from its "social responsibility committee" to the area to listen to the views of local residents.

The Shell to Sea group has refused to meet the delegation, however, and is accusing the company of acting outside the official mediation process being led by former union official Peter Cassels.

Speaking at today's Dáil protest, spokesman Tadhg McGrath claimed Shell was trying to soften up public opinion in advance of recommencing work on the pipeline.

"We've heard that Shell have block-booked accommodation in the west of Ireland to put up their vast army of security personnel and construction workers that they're going to use to put the scheme in place," he said.
 

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