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.