End to mediation in Corrib gas saga

Thursday July 13, 2006 14:18

by Shell2Sea - Shell to Sea

Shell fail to make meaningful efforts

This morning we received a letter from Mr. Peter Cassells announcing an
end to his mediation efforts. While this is a disappointing development
it does not come as a surprise to us.

Rossport 5

Despite their public pronouncements, Shell have at no time been prepared in any way to alter the Corrib Gas project in response to community concerns. Their sole criteria in determining this project have been financial and technical. They have ignored the social and cultural reality within which their project must operate. They have been blind to the impact that their project will have on the communities that will be effected and deaf to the consistent message from those communities that this project does not have their consent. Being blind and deaf is one thing, not knowing you are either is another.

We believe that it has been our duty to protect and defend the health and well-being of our area. Opposition to Shell’s project is not confined to a small number of landowners. Their claim that this is so is further testament to their inability to recognise the voices and rights of the local community.

The Corrib gas project in its present configuration has run its course. It cannot now proceed other than through compulsion and force. What is therefore required is that the present Plan of Development for this project be set aside and a new one negotiated which would prioritise
health, safety and community consent. This is the only viable context in which to move forward. It is clear that Shell and its partners have not proven capable of understanding this reality. We call on the Irish government to finally exercise its sovereign responsibilities and duties to its citizens and put in place a new Plan of Development. The alternative is further conflict in North Mayo.

Vincent McGrath
Philip McGrath
Michael O Seighin
Willie Corduff

For verification or comment contact Mark Garavan 0879023687 or Michael
O Seighin 0868755317.

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Comments (5 of 5)

SHell, Mayo CO CO and Fisheries still good friends

by cool j

Fri Jul 14, 2006 22:31

Well Supp as my title indicates not alot has changed here in Erris as local people continue to Fight Shell and there state puppets. For example - only last week ShelltoSea and other witness's happened upon Roadbridge personel who work for both Shell and Bord Gais illegaly discharging effluent into a stream feeding Carromore lake , the main water supply for the region. Fishery officers from nearby Bangor Erris were informed while Mid-West radio was also contacted. Despite it being obvious that Roadbridge deliberatly allowed the large amount effluent into the stream, the Fishery officer parroted the Shell line and told the radio reporter that the incident was accidental and a "one-off". None of this of course bared any resemblance to the facts particualry in the light of continuing run-off of toxic levels of Aluminium into the lake from Shell's Bellanboy site. So folks, its business as usual in this corner of Mayo!!!

Sinn Féin Statement- Martin Ferris TD

by SF

Fri Jul 14, 2006 14:01

Sinn Féin TD Martin Ferris said that it is not surprising that the mediation process between the Rossport 5 and Shell has not been successful as the only way to resolve this issue is for the Irish government to tell the Corrib Gas consortium to move their pipeline and refinery offshore.

Deputy Ferris said, ''It will be no surprise to most people that mediation talks have broken down between the Rossport 5 and Shell. Shell's unwillingness to budge and their complete disregard for the health and safety concerns of the local people have brought things to this situation. The only way that this issue can be resolved is if the Irish government tell the Corrib Gas consortium loudly and clearly to shift their pipeline and refinery offshore.

''They also need to renegotiate the scandalous deal signed by former Minister Ray Burke which saw the government give away the rights to Corrib and future gas and oil fields to the oil companies.

''It is estimated that Corrib gas alone is worth between €12 Billion and €21 Billion, which is over twice the size of the government‚s entire health budget. And there are more gas fields off Cork, Shannon, Galway and Donegal, but no one knows yet how large they are or how much they are worth. What we do know is that they are resources that could be put to good use in Ireland.''

Dempsey, Cassells, and the Haunted Tree

by cross-pollinator

Fri Jul 14, 2006 13:46

The Minister for Marine and Natural Resources who is as you rightly say standing for re-election in Meath, was, interestingly, director of elections for Fianna Fáil in the Meath by-election last year.

Guess who he had out canvassing for him?

None other than Peter Cassells, independent mediator, who was trying to get his nephew, Shane Casells elected for Fianna Fáil (remember that young fella who looked like a character from the movie "The Nightmare before Christmas" ? That's the one).

Small world isn't it?

Cllr Shane Cassells (Fianna Fáil)

Did Bertie Ahern Meet the head of Shell Ireland Privately or not?

by Dieter

Thu Jul 13, 2006 17:49

The Minister with responsibility for Marine and Natural Resources or Shell
is currently the Minister Sitting for re-election soon in Meath......
(the communities of Rossport and Tara/Gabhra should have stronger Links.

Mr Noel Dempsey cut his teeth in Environment previously, including appointing
his cousin to the board of the NRA. He started out as Minister of State in charge of
Duchas which the following minister (cullen) abolished in 2003.

Appointing third party mediators is a cop-out and a way of evading political
responsibility. Fact is FF are in power too long their relation to the crony
lobby is too well established. They are fucking with your community.

Rossport and Tara need an election strategy that involves the uprooting
of corrupt politicians.

(cross pollination in the Transport/Marine/Environment spokespersons
is an interesting field study).

So what is the situation then.

by supp

Thu Jul 13, 2006 15:48

Its been so llong since it has been detailed.There are 4 people in that photo, I know MO'S said he was dealing with legal issues seperatley because of slightly different issues to do with the land he owns along with the other women owner? You've suggested that other landowners arn't that with the pipe and handling of the situation either? Can you expand on these issues?

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End to mediation in Corrib gas saga

Comments (5 of 5)