Shell fail to start work in face of large Shell to Sea picket.

mayo | environment | news report

Wednesday September 13, 2006 11:58

by Eve - Rossport Solidarity Camp

Shell failed to start work yesterday as expected in the face of large numbers of picketers who gathered outside the gates of their proposed refinery site at Bellanaboy.

picketers outside the gates of bellanaboy

Shell failed to start work at their proposed refinery site yesterday morning as close to one hundred Erris residents and Shell to Sea campaigners gathered outside the gates to stop them. In the aftermath of the Cassell’s report Shell stated that they intended to recommence work at Bellanaboy in September. Last week local sources indicated that Shell would attempt to enter the site yesterday, Tuesday 12th of September. The same sources revealed that the Shell to Sea show of strength deterred Shell and Roadbridge resulting in their no show. The gardaí did not make an appearance at yesterday’s picket.

Crowds began to gather outside the gates of the Bellanaboy site yesterday morning at about six thirty in the midge thick drizzle aiming to stop Shell from starting work. Many more turned up for a few hours during the day. The crowds gathered without a ‘call out’ and it is estimated that should Shell try to start work in earnest many more people would turn up. An ongoing picket has prevented Shell from carrying out any construction work at the site since the Rossport five were imprisoned in June 2005.

Yesterday’s events further underlined the determination of Erris residents to keep Shell out and to prevent them from destroying their community and environment. Most people at the picket were prepared to peacefully break the law and get arrested to prevent Shell from starting work.