Policing at Shell refinery cost €15m

Justice Minister Alan Shatter has accused some of those protesting against the Shell refinery in Co Mayo of being “protest tourists” as it emerged policing in the area has cost almost €15m.

He said it was “scanda-lous” that some protesters behave in a self-indulgent way that has no regard for the rights of others.

It is 10 years since Bord Gáis announced the building of the Corrib gas pipeline, and in 2006 heightened security and escalating protests caused the situation to boil over.