Independent TDs to show support for pipeline protestors

online.ie 2005-08-31

Six independent TDs and Socialist Party deputy Joe Higgins are due to visit the so-called Rossport Five in prison today to show their support for the jailed protestors.The five Co Mayo men have been in jail for around nine weeks for refusing to obey an injunction ordering them not to obstruct work on the Corrib gas pipeline.The men believe the high-pressure structure poses an unacceptable risk to the safety of the local community.They and their supporters want gas from the Corrib field to be pumped to an offshore terminal rather than directly onshore via the controversial pipeline.Today's meeting is part of ongoing efforts to secure the men's release from prison.They want the global oil firm Shell to lift the injunction it has taken out against them, but the company is refusing to do so and has pointed out that they can secure their own freedom by agreeing not to breach the court order.