Green leader blames minister for ongoing Corrib protests

Green Party leader Trevor Sargent is blaming Natural Resources Minister Noel Dempsey for the ongoing protests at the site of the Corrib gas terminal in Co Mayo.

A large garda presence remains in place at the site in Bellanaboy as local residents maintain a daily demonstration against the pipeline being built by Shell Ireland.

Speaking during a visit to the area this morning, Mr Sargent said he blamed Mr Dempsey for the ongoing dispute due to his failure to intervene.

"This situation is unfortunately going to deteriorate and I put the onus on Minister Noel Dempsey to exercise his responsibilities to ensure a resolution of this matter and not just hide behind the legal small print which he seems to be relying on at the moment," he said.