Gardaí and Shell Security Work Hand in Hand Blocking Public Roads

mayo | environment | news report Tuesday August 16, 2011 23:26 by j debender - Rossport Solidarity Camp A field in Aughoose, between Ballinaboy and Pullathomas 0851141170

An Garda Siochana and Integrated Risk Management Services (IRMS) policing the roads together

Monday 15th August at 9am a group of 12 people went down to Shell's compound in Aughoose to stop work. Eventually Shell's private security (IRMS) and the Gardaí began working together to police the roads and protect deliveries of equipment to the compound.

IRMS and Gardai working together

After about an hour of protesters maintaining a presence on the road and slowing the work of the diggers, Gardaí and IRMS formed a line containing protesters on the opposite side of the road from Shell's compound. The private security have absolutely no jurisdiction on a public road, so they have no right to be containing and handling people.

At one point an IRMS manager gave orders to the Gardaí, telling them to back off and allow traffic to pass. Several cars were held up for at least 15 minutes while Shell delivered a new digger to the compound. In Shell's traffic management plan it states that the public road will remain open at all times, however in the past few weeks we have seen IRMS closing the public road for up to 30 minutes at a time.

On Tuesday 16th August a group of people went down to the compound again to stop the work, this time entering the compound from around the side. Some people were carried or escorted by IRMS up to the public road, no arrests were made.

The protests are continuous, and people are needed to sustain actions. If you are thinking of visiting the camp, any time is a good time. The camp is located in a field opposite the Shell compound in Aughoose, between Ballinaboy and Pullathomas.

To contact the camp, ring 085 114 1170 or email rossportsolidaritycamp[at]gmail[dot]com

IRMS containing people on the public road

Drivers waiting while IRMS block off the road