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August 2011

Shell's North sea oil spill 'worst for a decade'

By: 
Fiona Harvey - The Guardian

The government estimates oil leak could involve more than 1,300 barrels but claims it has been greatly reduced.

Oil spill in North sea : Sheel Gannet Alpha platform

The Gannet Alpha platform in the North Sea. Photograph: Royal Dutch Shell Ho/EPA

The flow of oil from the worst spill in UK waters in the past decade, at one of Shell's North Sea platforms, has been "greatly reduced" but not yet stopped completely, the government said on Monday.

Conservationists warned that the leak could harm bird life in the area, at a delicate time in their development, as the oil company worked to minimise the damage.

Stuart Housden, director of RSPB Scotland, said: "We know oil of any amount, if in the wrong place, at the wrong time, can have a devastating impact on marine life. Currently thousands of young auks – razorbills, puffins and guillemots – are flightless and dispersing widely in the North Sea during late summer. So they could be at serious risk if contaminated by this spill."

Posted Date: 
15 August 2011
Link: 

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2011/aug/15/north-sea-oil-spill

Gardaí and Shell’s Private Security Work Hand in Hand to Block Public Roads

Shell’s private security (IRMS) are currently standing side by side with members of An Garda Siochana to block the public road at Aughoose, Co. Mayo. This morning at 9am a group of 12 people went down to Shell’s compound at Aughoose to try and stop work.

UN urged to examine Irish human rights lapses

By: 
PAMELA DUNCAN

CALLS FOR improved prison conditions, better foster service inspections and the introduction of full civil marriage for gay couples are among the submissions to be considered during the next UN periodic review.

The United Nations Human Rights Council has received submissions on behalf of 60 Irish organisations to be considered by the working group on the universal periodic review which is due to take place in Geneva in October.

Posted Date: 
13 August 2011
Link: 

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2011/0813/1224302379794.html

Shell fights spill near North Sea oil platform

By: 
BBC News

Oil giant Royal Dutch Shell has said it is working to stop a leak at one of its North Sea oil platforms.

The leak was found near the Gannet Alpha platform, 180 km (113 miles) from Aberdeen, Scotland.

Shell would not say how much oil had been released so far, merely describing it as "not a significant spill" and saying it had largely stemmed the leak.

One of the wells at the Gannet oilfield has been closed, but the company would not say if production was reduced.

Posted Date: 
13 August 2011
Link: 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-14513509

Shell confirms North Sea leak

By: 
irishtimes.com/Reuters

 

Royal Dutch Shell today said it was working to contain an oil leak at its Gannet Alpha Platform in the UK North Sea but declined to specify the size of the leak.

"We can confirm we are managing an oil leak in a flow line that serves the Shell-operated Gannet Alpha platform. We deployed a remote-operated vehicle to check for a subsea leak after a light sheen was noticed in the area," a Shell spokesman said.

Posted Date: 
13 August 2011
Link: 

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2011/0812/breaking112.html

Some Expert Lorry Climbing Stops Shell

By: 
j debender - Rossport Solidarity Camp

Between a mass trespass in the morning, someone blocking the road for 2 and ½ hours by climbing on top of a lorry, and a protest outside Shell's Ballinaboy refinery, Thursday 11th August was a day full of blocking Shell.

Work stopped
Work stopped

Posted Date: 
12 August 2011
Link: 

http://www.indymedia.ie/article/100332

More Oil and Gas selloffs on the way

By: 
Socialist Workers Party

Corrib gas has been the biggest sell-off of our natural resources to date. Under the FG/Labour government this record may soon be matched.

There are an estimated 10 billion barrels of oil off the west coast of Ireland. Recent advances in technology have meant a jump in exploration applications: 2 in 2009 to 15 in 2011.

Under the terms of a 1992 licensing agreement, oil companies pay just 25% tax, which can be written off against exploration costs. Companies applying after 2007 had a profit resource rent tax (PRRT) introduced, with 5% to 15% tax on profits.

Posted Date: 
12 August 2011
Link: 

http://www.swp.ie/news/more-oil-and-gas-selloffs-way/4745

Policing in Corrib needs a proper probe - Sinn Féin

By: 
Western People

SINN Féin Cllr Gerry Murray has again called for an independent investigation into the policing of the Corrib Gas project.
 

Charlestown-based Cllr Murray made his remarks on the release of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission’s interim report into the Corrib ‘rape tape’ controversy.
 

Posted Date: 
11 August 2011
Link: 

http://www.westernpeople.ie/news/ojauaugbey/

Corrib Gas protest at Aughoose compound

By: 
Brad - Rossport Solidarity Camp - Indymedia

Rossport Solidarity Camp members resist the construction of Shell's pipe laying compound at Aughoose which results in I-RMS unlawfully obstructing public highway.

p8100021.jpg

Posted Date: 
11 August 2011
Link: 

http://www.indymedia.ie/article/100326

Damage near gas sites investigated

By: 
Lorna Siggins - Irish Times

GARDAÍ IN north Mayo are investigating damage to property associated with the Corrib gas project earlier this week.

Supt Pat Diskin of Belmullet Garda station confirmed yesterday that incidents were being investigated in Pollathomas, close to the work site for the final section of onshore gas pipeline, and at Glengad, landfall for the offshore pipeline.

A number of windows were broken at the Pollathomas property, which has been used by Corrib gas partners and consultants.

Posted Date: 
11 August 2011
Link: 

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2011/0811/1224302231939.html