Cost of policing at Mayo pipeline reaches €3m
Outraged TDs last night said they would demand answers from the Government on the “colossal” costs.
Figures released by the Department of Justice in a parliamentary answer show around €3.14m was poured into garda patrolling of the refinery from October 3 to January 25.
The costs included salary, overtime, temporary transfers and other expenses, said Justice Minister Michael McDowell in the response.
Mayo TD Jerry Cowley, who sought the details, said it was a “colossal” expense and a rip-off.
“I’m astonished it has cost this sort of money. It’s ludicrous how the Government is facilitating Shell in ripping-off the country. It’s a joke.
“They are protecting something that there is no route to yet, with no pipeline route in place. It’s not enough for the Taoiseach to wash his hands of this like Pontius Pilate.”
Labour’s Michael D Higgins was shocked at the figure. He dismissed previous suggestions the police presence was there to protect against an extreme republican element, who had ‘hijacked’ protests.
“Why is it necessary to have this incredible (garda) turn-out. The people are paying for this, you could spend the money in much better ways.”
Both TDs agreed the dispute would be better served by dialogue rather than millions of euro being spent on a garda presence.
As of last week, there were 49 gardaí of all ranks on duty at the Ballinaboy terminal, in Mayo.
Local protestors and objectors to the Corrib project said the policing figure would actually serve to diminish trust in the force.
“The revelation that the Garda operation in Bellanaboy has cost over €3m is further evidence of the unprecedented nature of the Corrib gas project. No Irish industrial development has proceeded in this manner with Gardaí being deployed to facilitate a project against the wishes of the majority of the local community.
“Sadly, the real cost of the Garda operation is not only financial but also lies in the damage to the reputation of the Gardaí and in the deterioration in community relations in what has always been a peaceful and law-abiding area,” insisted spokesman Dr Mark Garavan.
Shell to Sea also pointed yesterday to Shell’s announcement of its annual profits. Figures released by the company revealed the company made €19.5 billion profit last year, worldwide. This worked out at €53.5m per day or €2.25m per hour, protestors said.
“This extraordinary profit taking is in sharp contrast to the lack of benefits accruing to the Irish people from the Corrib project,” added Dr Garavan.
