Protesters removed from refinery site

Gardaí today removed up to 100 protesters after they entered the controversial Shell refinery site in north Co Mayo.

Earlier about 400 people took part in a peaceful Shell to Sea march which was marshalled by some 120 gardaí.

A Garda spokesperson said 100 protesters aged between 20 and 30 were removed peacefully from the site at Bellanaboy over concerns about health and safety. No arrests were made.

Today’s early morning march from the refinery to nearby Glenamoy bridge drew supporters from Dublin, Cork, Belfast and Ennis.

Shell claimed that the protesters who entered the refinery site threatened and verbally abused workers, but this was denied by Shell to Sea.

One of the protesters removed from the gas refinery said they wanted to see what safeguards were in place to protect the local water supply, which comes from Carrowmore lake.

Last month the Environmental Protection Agency said it was satisfied that emissions from the refinery would not adversely affect human health or the environment and would meet all the relevant national and EU standards.

A previous Shell to Sea rally on November 10 resulted in injuries to eight people, including four gardai.

Independent mediator Peter Cassells called on the oil giant to modify the onshore pipeline route and a public consultation meeting on an alternative route will be held in Belmullet on February 27.