August 2010

This morning 11 people from Rossport Solidarity Camp waded and kayaked out from the camp to again delay Shell’s survey work in Sruwaddacon Estuary. Overall drilling work was stopped for over 5 hours, with one person climbing up one of the legs of the drilling platforms. Several people also attached themselves to the 2 outer drilling poles which are under the platforms.

THE protests against the Corrib gas project show no sign of letting up with seven people arrested in Sruwaddacon Bay last week.

Barges drilling boreholes came under attack as protestors attempted to disrupt work on Thursday morning. Those arrested were taken to Belmullet Garda Station but were released without charge. Gardaí are now preparing files for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

THE PIPE, a film by Risteard Ó Domhnaill, about the controversial Corrib gas project, and its impact on a remote community in north Mayo, was recently awarded Best Feature Documentary at the prestigious 22nd Galway Film Fleadh.
O Domhnaill’s documentary, which received a standing ovation at the Town Hall Theatre premiere, chronicles the lives of fisherman Pat O’Donnell, environmentalist Monica Muller and farmer Willie Corduff.

MINISTER FOR Communications Eamon Ryan has contacted the national electricity company Eirgrid over the possibility of changing the route of a €600 million pipeline to avoid the town of Rush in north Co Dublin.

Work on the interconnector pipeline is due to begin in the town in the coming weeks, despite the protests of Rush Community Council which opposes the development because of health and safety concerns.

In a meeting last Wednesday, Mr Ryan assured the council that he would communicate their concerns to the State company before work starts in the town.