Deployment of navy a gross over-reaction by Government

mayo | environment | press release

Saturday August 30, 2008 14:48

by Cllr Keith Martin - Labour Party

Labour councillor says Government over reacting in rossport

Naval role in rossport condemned

Labour's Cllr Keith Martin says the deployment of the warship LE Orla in Broadhaven Bay as part of the State's security provision for the Corrib gas project "was a gross overreaction by the government which would only escalate tensions and costs in relation to the situation in rossport."

The patrol ship, LE Orla was stationed in the bay yesterday evening, as Shell E&P Ireland prepares to start offshore pipelaying with its 300m (984ft) ship, Solitaire.

"The fact that protesters have been using canoes to deliever messages to the pipelaying ship and that protesters were preparing to swim out in wetsuits to the ship does not warrent the deployment of a warship in the bay.

"The Gardai have their own speed boats and sub-aqua division and can deal with any breaches of the law. The positioning of the warship LE Orla in the bay is a misuse of our navy and a completely disproportionate reaction. Its like using a hammer to swat a fly. The involvement of the military in any "policing" matter should be a last resort.

"The Government should be de-escalating the situation in rossport not involving the military. I have asked Labour's Spokespersons on Justices and Defence to take the matter up with the Government."