Pipeline opponents picket Dept offices and Shell HQ

Opponents of the Corrib gas pipeline in Co Mayo are protesting outside the Department of Natural Resources and the headquarters of the global oil firm Shell in Dublin today.

The Shell to Sea campaign group claims the company is preparing to resume work on the controversial structure after suspending it last year to allow for mediation talks with local residents.

They are also accusing Natural Resources Minister Noel Dempsey of conspiring to ensure that the mediation talks between Shell and the residents would break down.

Earlier this month, the so-called Rossport Five pulled out of the talks after accusing Mr Dempsey of interference.

The five Co Mayo men spent more than 90 days in prison last year for refusing to obey a court injunction ordering them not to obstruct work on the Corrib scheme.