Energy Minister may hold talks with Corrib protestors

The Minister for the Environment has said it may be appropriate for his colleague the Energy Minister Eamon Ryan to meet with those involved in the Shell to Sea protest in north Mayo.

The comments come as Maura Harrington is now in to her 11th day on hunger strike over plans by Shell to extract gas off the Erris Peninsula.

Ms Harrington began her hunger strike after the Solitaire pipe-laying ship entered Broadhaven Bay.

Speaking in Tralee earlier, John Gormley said the time may be right for renewed talks on the controversy.

"I think it would be an opportune time for my ministerial colleague to talk the local community about the issues and he has said that is something he wants to do," he said.