Shell found to be in civil contempt of court orders in relation to Rossport lands

The Supreme Court has found Shell E & P Ireland was acting in civil contempt of court orders when it entered nine years ago onto commonage lands at Rossport located on the modified route for the Corrib gas onshore pipeline, writes Ann O'Loughlin.

A three judge Supreme Court yesterday (wed) overturned as "incorrect" a 2010 High Court finding that a November 2007 order of District Judge Mary Devins prohibiting Shell's entry onto the commonage, except in accordance with the Gas Act 1976, did not prevent Shell entering onto the commonage after acquiring a 1/62nd share of the land.