Irish media misrepresents Corrib gas objectors

A DISTURBING feature of the Corrib gas dispute has been gross misrepresentation of the Shell to Sea campaign by the Irish sensationalist press. This warping of the true nature of the dispute does a grave disservice to Irish democracy.

I recently participated in one of the daily protests in Rossport, and can say that the ‘Shell to Sea thugs’ !are, in fact, ordinary decent citizens who have studied how a Shell-led consortium proposes to process the Corrib basin reserves onshore, and the likely impact of such on their community.

The protestors believe, rightfully, that the conveyance of untreated and highly toxic gas — which is under enormous pressures in pipes close to their homes — from the basin to a processing terminal six miles inland will present an enormous environmental and health hazard.

They are fully aware that expert advice and official planning directives were ignored at Shell’s behest and wonder what ‘national interest’ takes priority over the risks inherent in this harebrained project.

It is this knowledge and the resolve to protect the community that impels these Shell to Sea campaigners to brave the pre-dawn darkness and the intimidating garda presence, in a daily display of exemplary civic responsibility.

Another disturbing feature of this scenario is campaigners claim repetitive use of excessive force by certain elements of the gardaí has brought the force into widespread disrepute in this peaceful and law-abiding area.

Marine Minister Noel Dempsey attacked the campaigners on the basis of their unwillingness to engage in dialogue with Shell. Is he aware of the futility of such ‘dialogue’ as long as Shell refuses to consider the only option that would ensure the maintenance of Erris as a healthy environment for human habitation: the offshore processing of the Corrib basin reserves?

Shell spokespersons trumpet the non-viability of this option without advancing a single convincing reason against it.

Erris people believe Shell is also unwilling to concede even a microchunk out of the megaprofits it aims to make from its exploitation of the Corrib reserves.

One would have thought that since every square inch of the north Mayo Gaeltacht is threatened by pollution from Shell’s onshore terminal, this would have prompted a vigorous response from the main Irish language organisations and from Gaeltacht Minister Éamin Ó Cuív.

Their silence on the issue of this direct attack on a Gaeltacht community, which is a direct attack on the Irish language itself, is indefensible. It is not too late for them to wake up.

Dr Tomás Mac Síomóin

Rda Arquitecte Guitart

Sant Feliu de Guixols

Girona

Catalonia

Spain