Supporters of Shell protestors mount Dáil demonstration

Relatives and supporters of the five Co Mayo men jailed for obstructing work on the high-pressure Corrib gas pipeline have mounted a demonstration outside the Dáil.

The five were jailed yesterday for breaching an injunction preventing local residents from blocking trucks belonging to Shell Ireland, the company building the pipeline.

The residents believe the structure, which is being laid close to houses, poses an unacceptable risk to health and safety.

Speaking outside the Dáil today, James Philibin, whose uncle is one of those in jail, said an offshore terminal should be built, thereby removing the need for the high-pressure pipeline.

Shell has claimed an offshore facility would be too costly, a stance the Government has agreed with.

Mr Philbin said this showed that the Fianna Fáil-Progressive Democrats coalition "cares more about Shell's bottom line than the people of Ireland they're elected to represent".