Shell gas project - Time to end Corrib strife

IT is almost 10 years since Shell revealed plans to pipe unrefined gas ashore in Mayo. Since then, the area has become synonymous with bitter dispute and gardaí in riot gear.

Incidents like last week’s mysterious sinking of a fishing trawler owned by one of the main protesters have added a sinister element to the saga.

Now Shell’s pipe-laying ship is back in a second attempt to put down its underwater infrastructure. The first attempt was aborted last year amid protests and technical troubles. This time, a major Garda and Navy operation will accompany the ship, but their presence is likely to incite as much fury as it quells.

It is hard to imagine similar events taking place in Dublin Bay. It is more likely that mediators, not men in uniforms, would be dispatched.

While locals in Mayo are holding their breath in anticipation of trouble, the Government’s attitude seems to be to avert their eyes. After almost 10 years, it’s time a little more attention was paid to resolving the strife instead of waiting for it to escalate to what many fear could be dangerous or even tragic proportions.