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.

Gardaí set up checkpoints last night to monitor who was arriving. They will also, if deemed necessary, carry out searches of vehicles for possible weapons. While gardaí say the main access to the Shell compound is along the beach, gardaí have information that some protesters have been trying to gain access through private property.

In a notice on the indymedia website, the protest organisers said they were issuing an appeal from “the united community of Erris, Co Mayo to all national and international supporters” to descend on Glengad at 6pm for a Day of Action to “remove Shell’s illegal fences from the area”.

The event is being organised by Shell-To-Sea and Rossport Solidarity Camp. The planned protest follows a number of events in recent days and weeks.

At a public meeting on April 30, attended by two Government ministers, there were warnings there would be further injury and even deaths unless the dispute was resolved.