Shell to Sea Public Meeting --The Corrib gas project: 10 years on

by Frank Ryan Jnr - Dublin Shell to Sea Fri Feb 19, 2010 14:53

Well attended meeting last night ..

by Frank Ryan Fri Feb 19, 2010 14:25

Great meeting - the room was packed - over 40 people there. Speakers were excellent - Andy Storey discussed the background to the campaign and the shady dealings done by Ray Burke and Bertie Ahern that signed away our natural resources to multinational corporations. He also outlined how the local community has been harrassed, vilified and criminalised for daring to stand up for their rights and pointed out the role of Shell's hired mercenraies in IRMS - some of whom, including Tipperary man Michael Dwyer, were subsequently involved in a coup attempt against Bolivian President Evo Morales.

Caoimhe Kerins of Dublin Shell to Sea gave a very detailed and comprehensive account of the great oil and gas giveaway and the value of the oil and gas lying off the west coast - estimated to be €420,000,000,000. She made the point that while the government in the 26 counties is slashing public services these resources could be used to fund public services such as health and education.

Maura Harrington gave a powerful address combining the impact the project has had on the local community and how the beauty and tranquility of Erris is being destroyed by this project. She also discussed the giveaway of our natural resources and put it in the context of the sovereignty of the people and the right of the Irish people to benefit from their resources.

In the context of the ongoing war on the working class it is heartening to see a community such as the one in Erris put up such a brave and sustained fight in the face of state repression and the power of corporations. They are an example to us all. This week Shell has been forced to concede that they will be unable to conduct any further work on the project this year. Another small victory for the campaign.

Solidarity was expressed with Pat O'Donnell and people were encouraged to attend a rally in support of Pat on Saturday at 2pm at the GPO.

There was a very lively discussion after the speakers - such was the debate that the meeting went on for two hours. There was a lot of interest in the issue of the oil and gas giveaway. It seems this issue is finally beginning to resonate with people.

The chair Amanda Slevin summed up the proceedings by encouraging people to get involved in the campaign in any way they can and thanked members of the Frank Ryan UCD society for assistance in organising the meeting.

Someone might put up some photos later