Energy giant Shell today offered to look at any initiative that could secure the release of the five Mayo men jailed over their protests against a gas pipeline.

SHELL claimed yesterday that the decision to lay off 35 workers was a due to the halting of work on the controversial Corrib gas pipeline.

The five men jailed over protests against a pipeline from the Corrib gas field off the Mayo coast are the only people with the power to resolve the dispute, it was claimed today.

The jailing of five Co Mayo men for blocking work on a Shell gas pipeline is regrettable, but the court’s decision must be respected, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said today.

SHELL E&P IRELAND yesterday welcomed the decision of An Bord Pleanála to uphold Mayo County Council's decision to grant planning permission for the proposed gas terminal at Bellanaboy Bridge, which is to be built to bring Corrib Gas ashore.