Five protesters arrested in Corrib terminal clashes
One man was arrested for allegedly assaulting a Garda sergeant at the Bellanaboy compound, while four others could face charges for public order.
Around 200 Shell to Sea protesters travelled to the region to stage a sit-down blockade against the construction of Corrib gas refinery and associated pipeline.
However, the peaceful protest turned sour when demonstrators climbed the compound gates and opened them.
It is understood about 50 activists entered the site and walked around, stopping construction, while the same number of gardaí monitored developments.
Caoimhe Kierns, of Dublin Shell to Sea who was among those inside the refinery site, said as a second sit-down protest was mounted inside the gates gardaí moved in to remove them.
The protest is continuing outside the gates.
Ms Kierns said those against the scheme, especially residents living in Mayo, have no choice but to protest.
She hoped the main message from the protest was that it is not too late for Shell and the Government to change the proposed plans.
“People have appealed to the Government time and time again, and to local politicians, but to no avail,” she said.
“They feel they are just hitting a blank wall and feel they have been left with no choice at this stage.”
Campaigners claim untreated odourless gas is being transported inland though high pressure pipes will be a danger to local residents and the environment, and believe the gas taken by Shell off the Irish coast will bring no financial benefits to the people of Ireland.
Ms Kierns added that even having the Green Party in Government, with Eamon Ryan who has previously campaigned in support of their campaign as Energy Minister, has done little for the cause.
Shell Ireland said although the protest caused minimum disruption to its 300 workers on-site, invading a large construction site is a health and safety hazard to workers, protesters and gardaí.
“Shell to Sea had stated that today’s event would be a peaceful sit-down protest,” said spokesman Colin Joyce.
“Unfortunately people with no link to this region have again placed our local workers and other contractors in danger by their reckless actions.
“Today’s illegal trespass by a large number of protestors was highly irresponsible and shows once again that Shell to Sea appears unable to control its supporters who are not from the local area.”
