Priests challenged on Erris pipeline stance

I SEE that a Shell to Sea delegation recently met Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Minister Eamon Ryan to protest against the terminal and gas pipeline in Erris, Co Mayo.

According to reports, the delegation presented the minister with a letter signed by the three priests of the parish.

In it, the three are reported to have said they hoped the genuine concerns of locals would dealt with in a constructive manner. They also said the majority of the local community in Bellanaboy were against the project.

I would like to remind the priests that the concerns of locals were addressed by a former energy minister through the independent Advantica report, which said the original pipeline was safe.

Also, the Cassells report said that despite the safety of the route, a new one should be considered. This is now being done.

The priests will also be aware that many people are working on the project, the majority of them from Erris, who are voting with their feet. Do the priests also represent them and the 700 people who will be employed there next year on construction?

And what have the priests to say about the huge taxpayers’ bill to pay for security to deal with the breaches of law that took place there. I do not recall them speaking out against intimidation or for the right of people to go to work.

Are the priests speaking for themselves or their church? I recall the former bishop and late PP of their parish being in favour of the project.

Brendan Cafferty

Creggs Road

Ballina

Co Mayo