Gardaí expect clashes with demonstrators at Shell pipeline

GARDAÍ are bracing themselves for physical clashes today with protesters against the Shell Corrib gas project in Mayo.

Protest groups have openly called for a mass protest this evening at Glengad beach, near Belmullet, with the stated aim of tearing down fencing erected by Shell. The ‘Day of Action’ is scheduled to begin at 6pm and gardaí expect around 200 to 250 protesters. Gardaí have prepared a strategy and up to 200 officers, including the local public order unit, will be deployed.

Gardaí predict militants from Dublin and the North, including individuals attached to a hardline republican group, will attend the protest and are likely to try and cause trouble. Some of these individuals were present at previous marches, some of whom, garda sources said, wore full body armour, and ordered others on how to behave.