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IRMS security works with Gardaí to block Shell to Sea protesters

category mayo | rights, freedoms and repression | news report author Monday April 11, 2011 23:36author by Rossport Solidarity Camp

A protest today by the Rossport Solidarity Camp members at the Shell compound in Aughoose resulted IRMS security assisting the Gardaí in detaining campaigners.
Gardaí and IRMS work together to stop protesters
Gardaí and IRMS work together to stop protesters

At about 4pm today, campers who had been working on setting up a structure at the camp in Aughoose ran to stand in front of a Shell tractor carrying machinery. A Garda van had been waiting up the road for most of the day, and arrived on the scene within one minute. Protesters locked arms while standing in the road to block the tractor, but were carried away – or dragged – by Gardaí. One man was carried away and dumped in the water-filled ditch beside the road. At least 2 protesters were dragged off the road by just one arm. After being taken away a first time, campaigners continued to attempt to circumvent the line of Gardaí in order to gain access to the tractor.

After 5 minutes, between 10 and 15 IRMS guards (Shell’s private security company) came out of the Aughoose compound to assist the Gardaí in blocking protesters on the public road. IRMS guards dragged one campaigner away from the compound gates, and formed a cordon along the road to block access to the tractor. Protesters continued attempts to reach the tractor and machinery, but were forcefully held back by both the Gardaí and IRMS forces. After 20 minutes, campers left the road and returned to work on the Aughoose camp.

Protests and interventions will continue every day from now on, come up & support!

The Rossport Solidarity Camp is set up with sleeping spaces and we currently need people to come and help complete the camp. We are holding a camp work session this coming weekend. This will involve putting up our main marquee and building bridges. Please feel free to come and share your skills or learn new ones.

email rossportsolidaritycamp@gmail.com or text 085 114 1170

Related Link: http://www.rossportsolidaritycamp.org

Comments (8 of 8)

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author by Querypublication date Tue Apr 12, 2011 14:25author address author phone

I am puzzled by Shell IMRS doing patrols on the roads. I thought they are to call Gardai where needed. Is it true that IRMS staff during a recent lock-on went along the road shining lights to see who were in cars during the night. Is that their work? Have security people become gardai or gardai become security men and women. Very confusing. Gardai have to challenge IMRS people who step over the line in their work capacity - or are the Gardai doing security for IRMS and vice versa? The Private Security Agencey to take note.

author by Ailispublication date Tue Apr 12, 2011 16:40author address author phone

There is something very wrong in our so called "Democratic State " that allows SHELL/STATOILS private army to police and patrol our roads,Abusing and manhandling our people.This calls for a nationwide campaign of CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE.

author by Citizenpublication date Tue Apr 12, 2011 18:50author address author phone

"Have security people become gardai or gardai become security men and women. Very confusing"

No confusion. They all work for shell. Evidently MFJ Alan shatter does too judging by his remarks when asked about this matter

author by opus diablos - the regressive hypocrite partypublication date Wed Apr 13, 2011 10:49author address author phone

wikileaks exposed the depth of their penetration into the structures of Nigerian political machinery. Interesting read for anyone with the time, 'Sowing the Wind', by John Keay, subtitled 'the mismanagement of the middle east 1900-1960. Gives an insight into the movers and mentalities behind the moves. Puts current ops in Libya into long-term context, and confirms all them suspicions. Well written too, not a tome. Published 2003, John Murray.

author by old codger - pensionerpublication date Wed Apr 13, 2011 11:03author address author phone

Just like judge mary devins and her husband, Allan Shatter owns shares in Standard life who are major shareholders in SHell. Gardai and their political masters know this very well. Inspite of the promises in the election the corruption is set to continue.
The new gardai commisioner claims that outsiders coming to Rossport to campaign, are bringing violence to the area. The Gardai also want to get rid of voluntary recruits claiming that they have to be baby sitters to them. They do not have to baby sit the licenced paramilitary IRMS who are ready to do whatever it takes to achieve the crimes of Corrib. These people can assault Irish citizens on land or sea with an admiring Garda audience.
All the Gardai are aware of what is happening here but not one has the balls to cry stop.
IRMS are being facilitated by a Fianna Fail councellor to set up base in Enniscrone at the Castle arms hotel and another refurbished dwelling. I am shure the people of Enniscrone will be delighted to have such thugs in their midst.

author by seanpublication date Thu Apr 14, 2011 21:04author address author phone

i would be interested to know if old codger would have the name of that ianna fail councillor, cheers

author by old codger - pensionerpublication date Sat Apr 16, 2011 13:53author address author phone

Joe Queenan is the councillor also has an auctionering and property buisness.

author by seanpublication date Mon Apr 18, 2011 09:51author address author phone

cheers old codger. i live near there and will be interested to see what transpires. i don't like the idea of those psychopathic types around.


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