Shell Contractor Quarry Shut Down For Day
Barret’s Quarry in Bangor Erris shut down by protesters

On Wednesday 31st August at 8am 15 people entered Barrett’s quarry, just outside Bangor Erris in Co. Mayo and stopped work for the whole day, leaving at 5:30pm. Barrett’s is a subcontractor on the Corrib Gas Project, currently bringing truckloads of gravel and hardcore to Shell’s site in Aughoose.

Entering the quarry site Wednesday morning was easy, as there were only a couple security guards and there is no fencing around the site aside from the front gate. Once people were on site work was halted pretty quickly as people climbed up onto diggers and other machinery.

No attempt to remove the protesters was made, and the day was pretty calm. Folks even got up to playing werewolves and charades while on the machinery in order to pass the time.

At 5:30 after all the workers had gone home and there was no chance of them resuming their deliveries to the Shell site, all the protesters left through the front gate.

Protesters have been targeting Barrett’s lorries on the public road over the last few weeks as they were trying to make their stone deliveries to the Shell compound, by stopping them and climbing on top of them. This occupation of the quarry itself is a message to all contractors working for Shell on this project.

Nearby Lennon’s Quarry also supply material to the site and have also had many of their vehicles occupied in recent weeks. Shell to Sea spokesperson Terence Conway said today: “Both businesses will continue to be a target of the campaign until they end all work at Shell sites.”

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Corrib protests – if Tuesday was not mad enough try today
26.8.11
MEP assaulted, work halted for six hours, campaigners drive into refinery and bounced back out again four hours later

Local Shell to Sea campaigners and their supporters at Rossport Solidarity Camp are resting after another bizarre day of lows, highs and outright idiocy during their ongoing protest against Shell in co. Mayo.

The day started unpromisingly with a 6am sortie against the compound at Aghoos seeking to exploit a couple of weak points in the fence. Shell’s contractors Roadbridge and Shevlins are racing to finish the first bit of work in constructing the fencing and new entrance way. Every moment is counting for them. This left a couple of promising gaps which people from the camp sought to exploit in their dawn raid.

Unfortunately, it was not to be. Security from IRMS were aggressive from the beginning and were dragging people across hard-core and the road. Though the main target failed, a secondary one saw two people get in. As other weak points were probed, one protester who was on the road was deliberately charged from behind, tripping them face-first onto the road. This was all photographed; a complaint to a Sergeant imported from Galway was naturally treated with disdain, the gardaí happily taking their place as part of Shell’s private security. This has already been reported to the Amnesty/Frontline human rights observer in the area and will be pursued.

People returned to camp to get a bit of rest and recuperate. Just before midday, Dublin MEP Paul Murphy (of the Socialist Party) and a number of supporters turned up. They were shown the camp and given an update as to how the campaign has been going.

While this was happening a group of people waited near the junction near Glenamoy, a key turning point for the vehicles coming between the refinery at Bellinaboy and the Aghoos compound. Most trucks and tractors along this route are escorted by gardaí, who have placed officers along this route, and whose vans regularly follow people walking it.

Despite all this attention from gardaí, quick thinking meant that one person was able to jump on top of a Barretts Quarry truck – the firm providing much of the hard-core – at around 1pm. It was a beautiful moment. Campers, locals, Paul Murphy & co all converged on the site. A good natured protest ensued, with people laughing, joking, singing, children making water balloons and the person on top of the truck giving us a rendition of “Which Side Are You On”, re-worded to take in Shell.

In the refinery a backlog of trucks and other vehicles began to build up. The public order team turned up with their cherry picker to remove the person on top of the truck. Those in the road sat down and formed two lines wrapping arms and legs around each other with the aim of stopping the cherry-picker coming in. The thugs from the public order team waded in, as ever, dragging people out, ripping clothing and using pressure points on the ear. Paul Murphy, who was involved in the line was among those assaulted in this fashion. Naturally he was livid. Word is that the story is going ‘viral’.

Not to be deterred, after the person on the truck was removed and arrested, people decamped to the front of the refinery. Numbers grew to over 50 as more locals came to support. It was fantastic to see old faces again, something that really boosted the campers. It was clear there was a buzz despite the rain that came on. There was more playing in front of the gates, and a determination to resist in the air. For those who had been at the morning protest, it was such a lift. Gardaí and security stayed clear; the line of trucks backed up inside the refinery grew longer. The person who had been arrested was charged, released and came to join the protest.

Eventually Shell caved in. They parked up the trucks and shut up shop at Aghoos at 6.30pm. Though having pushed their workers to keep to the existing timetable, the day was lost to the campaigners. Fearing that they might try and take some of the vehicles out the back gate, people drove around, driving up close to the back gate. Two of these cars driven by locals (well known to security) and containing just as recognisable people were waved through the refinery gates by security. So, we suspect, heads are going to roll. One car drove around and back out again without security actually being aware of this. The other stayed in and drove around the refinery, two fingers up to all who think they can run rough-shod over the people of Erris. Naturally, the gardaí, late to the party this time, then began stopping workers going in. It was a great turn around to a long day. Now, for another planning meeting…

For Paul Murphy’s own account:
I was just about to finish this report when we heard… two IRMS (Shell’s private security) minibuses were blocked for an hour. And the car was still in the refinery as of 8pm. So down we head again, barely finishing inner. Security had surrounded the car at the inner perimeter fence as it was trying to leave. For some very bizarre reason they would not let the car leave by the gate directly in front of it, but wanted it to go all the way to the back gate.

The occupants refused that option as they were worried they would be ambushed. A tractor was brought and attached to the back of the car by a rope. For the next hour and a half the car was bounced backwards across the site. The idiocy of the people doing this meant that the car was constantly bouncing and knocking against the back of the tractor. Once occupant phoned the gardaí for help but the person answering the 999 call laughed. It is not hard to see why the gardaí in Erris are not trusted by the people who live there.

By 9pm a crowd of locals and people from the camp had assembled outside the back gate in support. Numbers swelled to forty by 10pm when the tractor finally brought the car out – gardaí and security filled out into the road – the security clearly acting like cops again – pushing concerned friends and family away. It was a relief to see our friends safe again.

A long, exhausting day, but amazing in so many unexpected ways. Welcome to Mayo.
http://www.rossportsolidaritycamp.org

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Mayo Road Blockaded in International Solidarity Protest
August 26 2011
From 6.00am to 9.30am this morning, three campaigners occupied Aghoos Road, as part of the ongoing protests against the controversial Shell refinery at Bellinaboy. They formed a triangle in the middle of the road using a set of especially made arm-tubes. This action follows on from yesterday, which saw the Gardai assault Dublin MEP Paul Murphy during a sit-down protest at the same part of the road. The protest stopped a number of Shell’s construction vehicles reaching their destination at Aghoos. All three have been arrested and taken to Belmullet.
From 6.00am to 9.30am this morning, three campaigners occupied Aghoos Road, as part of the ongoing protests against the controversial Shell refinery at Bellinaboy. They formed a triangle in the middle of the road using a set of especially made arm-tubes. This action follows on from yesterday, which saw the Gardai assault Dublin MEP Paul Murphy during a sit-down protest at the same part of the road. The protest stopped a number of Shell’s construction vehicles reaching their destination at Aghoos. All three have been arrested and taken to Belmullet.

One of those occupying the road said, “I’m doing this in support of a similar protest that took place in Broome Community, Australia last night. This is a powerful way to show that struggles from Ogoniland in Nigeria, to the Tar Sands in Canada, Australia, to Erris, Mayo and now to Australia are linked in common cause. Once we heard about the Broome Community actions we had to show solidarity. It feels really powerful to be part of this.”

The Broome Community are opposing a gas project that parallels the situation in north-west Mayo. Like Mayo, Shell is one of the companies being resisted by local communities. Links between the two communities are being established, and award winning film “The Pipe”, which documents the Mayo situation is being shown at events in Australia.

Yesterday saw a series of events targeting the Shell refinery in Aghoos and Bellinaboy. The Rossport Solidarity Camp was visited by Paul Murphy, MEP who came to learn more about local community resistance to the project. While taking part in a peaceful sit-down protest in front of a truck he was assaulted and had his clothes torn by gardai.

Con Coughlan, from the Camp said, “The determination we are feeling is incredible; knowing that people in Australia were doing their protests while we were doing ours was inspiring for us all. We send our best wishes out to them.”

ENDS

*FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:*
Rossport Solidarity Camp 085 1141170

Notes
1. For more information on the Broome Community protests see http://handsoffcountry.blogspot.com/

2. For reports of events on Thursday, 25th August, see
Related Link: http://www.rossportsolidaritycamp.org

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Daily Protests in Mayo, Numbers Building
Actions are constant, sometimes 3 or 4 in a day

Between lock-ons, mass trespasses, lorry climbing and a breach of security at Shell’s refinery, this week brought a lot of people out protesting. Locals who haven’t been out on the roads in years have come out this week, and momentum is building.

Here are some photos from Wednesday 24th August that haven’t been posted. Tuesday and Thursday were so full of events that these photos didn’t make it up. But things are happening every day, keep looking at the shelltosea.com website, twitter, and indymedia to stay posted.

Wednesday’s events began with a 6am trespass onto Shell’s compound in Aughoose. Soon after a few people went to join the locals who are at the refinery gates every morning, and 6 people sat down in the road wrapping arms and legs around each other to stop a tractor. Gardai dragged people out of the road for the tractor to pass. After this one person managed to climb on top of a truck delivering bogmats outside the refinery. The person stayed up for about 10 minutes but when a garda climbed onto the lorry and wrestled her D-lock away, preventing her from locking on, she came down and was not arrested.

Later that day Shell illegally extended their Aughoose compound into the public road, using harris fencing to reduce the road to one lane. Shell’s private security then stood in the public road, and workers yet again stopped traffic whenever a delivery was being made to the compound (which happens 3-4 times an hour and can mean 5-30 minutes of road closure). When people from the Rossport Solidarity Camp saw them putting up fencing in the road people went down to take advantage of the narrow road for the next tractor delivery. However once again Gardai and IRMS worked together to push people into ditches, contain people, and clear the road.

Honest to god direct quote from MY 31 Sergeant Richard Mahony, explaining why people must clear the road, “For your own health and safety, or we’ll throw you in the ditch.”

Apologies for the belatedly posted photos, it is not easy keeping up with media stuff when actions are happening constantly! There is plenty to do that doesn’t involve protesting as well, including tending to the three gardens, cooking the communal meals, maintaining the wind turbines, and everything else it takes to maintain the camp!

The camp is located in a field overlooking the Shell compound in Aughoose, between Bellanaboy and Pullathomas. Come for a visit anytime! Contact the camp at rossportsolidaritycamp[at]gmail[dot]com or 085 114 1170

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Mayo Road Blockaded in International Solidarity Protest
From 6.00am to 9.30am Friday 26th August, three campaigners occupied Aghoos Road, as part of the ongoing protests against the controversial Shell refinery at Bellinaboy. They formed a triangle in the middle of the road using a set of especially made arm-tubes.

This action follows on from yesterday, which saw the Gardai assault Dublin MEP Paul Murphy during a sit-down protest at the same part of the road. The protest stopped a number of Shell’s construction vehicles reaching their destination at Aghoos. All three have been arrested and taken to Belmullet.

One of those occupying the road said, “I’m doing this in support of a similar protest that took place in Broome Community, Australia last night. This is a powerful way to show that struggles from Ogoniland in Nigeria, to the Tar Sands in Canada, Australia, to Erris, Mayo and now to Australia are linked in common cause. Once we heard about the Broome Community actions we had to show solidarity. It feels really powerful to be part of this.”

The Broome Community are opposing a gas project that parallels the situation in north-west Mayo. Like Mayo, Shell is one of the companies being resisted by local communities. Links between the two communities are being established, and award winning film “The Pipe”, which documents the Mayo situation is being shown at events in Australia.

Yesterday saw a series of events targeting the Shell refinery in Aghoos and Bellinaboy. The Rossport Solidarity Camp was visited by Paul Murphy, MEP who came to learn more about local community resistance to the project. While taking part in a peaceful sit-down protest in front of a truck he was assaulted and had his clothes torn by gardai.

Con Coughlan, from the Camp said, “The determination we are feeling is incredible; knowing that people in Australia were doing their protests while we were doing ours was inspiring for us all. We send our best wishes out to them.”

ENDS

Notes
1. For more information on the Broome Community protests see http://handsoffcountry.blogspot.com/

2. For reports of events on Thursday, 25th August, see
http://www.indymedia.ie/article/100407 and
This action follows on from yesterday, which saw the Gardai assault Dublin MEP Paul Murphy during a sit-down protest at the same part of the road. The protest stopped a number of Shell’s construction vehicles reaching their destination at Aghoos. All three have been arrested and taken to Belmullet.

One of those occupying the road said, “I’m doing this in support of a similar protest that took place in Broome Community, Australia last night. This is a powerful way to show that struggles from Ogoniland in Nigeria, to the Tar Sands in Canada, Australia, to Erris, Mayo and now to Australia are linked in common cause. Once we heard about the Broome Community actions we had to show solidarity. It feels really powerful to be part of this.”

The Broome Community are opposing a gas project that parallels the situation in north-west Mayo. Like Mayo, Shell is one of the companies being resisted by local communities. Links between the two communities are being established, and award winning film “The Pipe”, which documents the Mayo situation is being shown at events in Australia.

Yesterday saw a series of events targeting the Shell refinery in Aghoos and Bellinaboy. The Rossport Solidarity Camp was visited by Paul Murphy, MEP who came to learn more about local community resistance to the project. While taking part in a peaceful sit-down protest in front of a truck he was assaulted and had his clothes torn by gardai.

Con Coughlan, from the Camp said, “The determination we are feeling is incredible; knowing that people in Australia were doing their protests while we were doing ours was inspiring for us all. We send our best wishes out to them.”

ENDS

Notes
1. For more information on the Broome Community protests see http://handsoffcountry.blogspot.com/

2. For reports of events on Thursday, 25th August, see above, or
http://www.indymedia.ie/article/100407 and
http://www.paulmurphymep.eu/breaking-news-how-the-gardai-assaulted-me-and-other-peaceful-protestors-in-rossport

Day of Chaos against Shell at Aghoos Compound
23.08.2011
A mass trespass stops work, one person on top of a digger for 4 hours

Today 25 people from Rossport Solidarity Camp sustained a barrage of actions against the site Shell is preparing for its tunnel boring machine. Despite 80 security and three vans of gardaí they were unable to keeps the protesters out. In the chaos that ensued one person got through the lines to d-lock themselves to one of the diggers and remained up there stopping work for 4 hours. Elsewhere other diggers had to stop working as protestors approached.

Con Coughlan, one of those who one of those who breached security said, “It was an incredible day. We pushed and pushed. No matter how many times they dragged us out we kept going back. People were coming from the back, others were launching themselves over the fences at the front.”

The day started at 2pm with three separate groups coming from different directions. From early on they began being carried out of the compound by private security, but this was no deterrent with people simply dusting themselves off and going back around. Despite their much greater numbers, security struggled to keep up with the constant pressure. Numerous weaknesses in the site perimeter were found and used to keep people coming in.

It was in a moment of chaos that one person found the opportunity to slip under a fence and made the dash for the nearest digger. Security, caught on the hop, despite holding off a number of other protesters, failed to stop her getting on top and using a d-lock she had brought with her to attach her neck to the roof section. She then settled down for a nap while the rest got on with the day. She was there for four hours and was not arrested.

Most of the work going on was to build the palisade fencing for the inner compound of the site. This is being supplied and installed by Shevlins Engineering.

Grainne Bradaigh , another of those who found a way in said, “We had fun. It was really very empowering. You could see how effective we were being from the way the workers were so frustrated. It was the first time I’ve done something like this, but I’m definitely up for it again. The gardaí were outside acting as private security for the tractors coming in, but there was nothing they could to do to stop us inside Shell’s compound.”

Actions have been taking place against Shell in co. Mayo all summer, opposing the construction of a pipeline that will pump high pressure gas through the beautiful Broadhaven Bay. It is part of a broader campaign by locals and those who support their efforts, that has been going on for ten years. Since May a camp has been established above the important site at Aughoose. It is open to all – if you are interested in coming along, please visit the website at www.rossportsolidaritycamp.org

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Double Barrel Concrete Lock-on Stops Shell

Monday 22nd August at 6am, two people locked their arms into concrete barrels in the road between Shell’s Ballinaboy refinery and the tunneling compound in Aughoose. The lock-on lasted for 7 hours, stopping all deliveries to the compound during that time.

Currently Shell are trying to set up a compound in Aughoose, 3km from the refinery at Ballinaboy. They are bringing in fencing, bogmats, steel girders and other equipment in order to secure the compound. Once it is secure Shell intends to remove 75,000 tonnes of peat from the bog. This bog is an important wetland habitat, home to frogs and newts and loads of diverse flora and fauna. After removing the peat they plan on bringing in the tunnel boring machine and begin the tunnel under the estuary for the onshore pipeline.

The concrete lock-ons were set up at 6am on Monday. As Shell normally begins deliveries to the compound from 7am, this 7 hour lock-on effectively stopped all deliveries for 6 hours.

The Garda cutting team which specialises in cutting protesters out of lock-ons and getting people down from high places, did not arrive until 9am. The first person was cut out of the first concrete barrel just before 11am. Within 15 minutes they began cutting the second concrete barrel to remove the second person. The second person was cut out just before 1pm, at which point the guards called Mayo County Council to clean up the mess of the cut up lock-on.

Local residents and the Rossport Solidarity Camp are doing continuous actions against Shell. If you’ve been meaning to come but just haven’t gotten around to it yet, come for a visit. There is plenty to do here including gardening, cooking, site maintenance, talking to locals or writing indymedia articles, as well as sitting in a lock-on if you like that kinda thing. The only way to really understand what is happening here is to come and see for yourself. The camp is located in a field in Aughoose overlooking the Shell compound, between Pullathomas and Ballinaboy.

To contact the camp, ring 085 114 1170 or email rossportsolidaritycamp[at]gmail[dot]com
http://shelltosea.com

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Gardaí and Shell Security Work Hand in Hand Blocking Public Roads

An Garda Siochana and Integrated Risk Management Services (IRMS) policing the roads together

Monday 15th August at 9am a group of 12 people went down to Shell’s compound in Aughoose to stop work. Eventually Shell’s private security (IRMS) and the Gardaí began working together to police the roads and protect deliveries of equipment to the compound.

After about an hour of protesters maintaining a presence on the road and slowing the work of the diggers, Gardaí and IRMS formed a line containing protesters on the opposite side of the road from Shell’s compound. The private security have absolutely no jurisdiction on a public road, so they have no right to be containing and handling people.

At one point an IRMS manager gave orders to the Gardaí, telling them to back off and allow traffic to pass. Several cars were held up for at least 15 minutes while Shell delivered a new digger to the compound. In Shell’s traffic management plan it states that the public road will remain open at all times, however in the past few weeks we have seen IRMS closing the public road for up to 30 minutes at a time.

On Tuesday 16th August a group of people went down to the compound again to stop the work, this time entering the compound from around the side. Some people were carried or escorted by IRMS up to the public road, no arrests were made.

The protests are continuous, and people are needed to sustain actions. If you are thinking of visiting the camp, any time is a good time. The camp is located in a field opposite the Shell compound in Aughoose, between Ballinaboy and Pullathomas.

To contact the camp, ring 085 114 1170 or email rossportsolidaritycamp[at]gmail[dot]com

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Some Expert Lorry Climbing Stops Shell

Between a mass trespass in the morning, someone blocking the road for 2 and ½ hours by climbing on top of a lorry, and a protest outside Shell’s Ballinaboy refinery, Thursday 11th August was a day full of blocking Shell.

Thursday 11th August at 10:30am about 20 people entered the compound in Aughoose which Shell is expanding in order to build the tunnel for the onshore pipeline. The diggers which are laying bogmats and erecting fencing retreated into the centre of the compound which is heavily guarded by IRMS, Shell’s private security force. Work was slowed for an hour and a half while people were on the site.

At 11:30am someone managed to climb on top of a lorry which was about to deliver fencing and girders to the compound. The halted lorry blocked the road so they were not able to bring anything else into the compound. Shell estimated they would be making 75 deliveries per day, today they managed about 10.

Just before 2pm the Garda public order unit showed up with their new toy, a cherrypicker. Sergeant Butler was driving it, and three public order Gardaí went up in the cage and pulled the person off of the steel girder he was sat on.

Once the road was cleared a few people went back down onto the compound and once again the diggers retreated and stopped working for about an hour.

To finish up the day, a group of people cycled to Shell’s Ballinaboy refinery for 6pm and stopped the last few tractors of the day from coming out, simply by sitting outside the gates and making tea. Then on the way home the cyclists delayed the IRMS shift change for almost an hour, until the Gardaí arrived and the cyclists went home for dinner.

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Corrib Gas protest at Aughoose compound

At approx 6.40 am this morning, Wednesday 9th August, members of Rossport Solidarity Camp entered Shell’s pipe laying compound at Aughoose. Shell is attempting to extend its existing compound to facilitate the arrival of its tunnel boring machine. A total of about 70 I-RMS security guards removed 10+ protesters from the compound with force. Gardai were standing by to assist the I-RMS, however, they were faced with a difficult legal predicament: which law could they use to restrain or arrest a protester? Without the free reign of “public order” legislation, the Gardai could only reproach protesters if the private land owner, Shell, requested it.

One protester was arrested for refusing to give a name and address. Gardai are entitled to request a name and address only if the person in question is, within reason, suspected of breaking a law. In short, a garda must tell a person why he/she is requesting a name and address. The gardai were having difficulty locating such a reason. It is unclear whether or not Shell asked the Gardai to intervene. With the negative public relations image Shell has acquired for itself in Ireland due to the Corrib project, it is thought that Shell are reluctant take any court proceedings against protesters.

The IRMS was policing the entire road outside the Aughoose compound at various points. This writer has personally seen I-RMS security guards unlawfully act in a manner only warranted to police officers of the state. Despite assurances by Superintendent Pat Diskin who in an article written by Irish Times reporter, Lorna Siggins, denied claims by Shell to Sea that the private security company, I-RMS, was closing roads at Aughoose. This morning the I-RMS did block the road unlawfully. Rossport solidarity camp members, as well as members of the Gardai, witnessed these actions. Gardai are legally obligated to maintain the public order on all public highways at all times whenever possible. This morning I-RMS were exempt from the laws of the state.

Two protesters were assaulted by I-RMS security guards, with one of the protesters being punched in the face. Complaints have been made to the Gardai and statements have been given on the matter. Meanwhile, Rossport Solidarity Camp members stopped work this afternoon at Shrahmore peat deposition site from 4pm until 7pm. This is the second consecutive day that work in Shrahmore has been halted by protesters.

If you want to visit the camp there is plenty for everyone; join in the protests, or help in the garden, or help with site maintenance. The camp is located in a field in Aughoose, between Ballinaboy and Pullathomas. Ring the camp at 0851141170 or email at rossportsolidaritycamp[at]gmail[dot]com

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Shell’s work at peat depot halted

Work was halted at Bord na Mona’s Shrahmore peat deposition site on Monday August 8th by protesters from Rossport Solidarity Camp. From 11am up until 6pm four protesters prevented Barrett’s and Lennon’s quarry trucks from entering the site with road building gravel. Inside the compound, two of the protesters climbed up onto a digger in order to stop it proceeding with the road construction on the site.

Shell oil company is planning to dig up 125,000 tonnes of peat from Shruwaddacon estuary and lay down a high pressure raw gas pipeline. The local community have not consented to Shell’s operations. The peat which Shell plans to dig up is scheduled to be dumped at Shrahmore. However, without the presence of adequate road networks within Shrahmore, the heavy peat dumping machinery cannot operate. By halting road building works at Shrahmore from proceeding, protesters are challenging the social, environmental and economic validity of Shell’s activities.

Meanwhile, it has also been announced today that Shell, Statoil & Vermilion have now extended their expected date for when Corrib Gas will flow to 2014. Every year it seems that they push their expected finish date out further and further. Originally the finish date was due to be 2003, so now the project would be 11 years delayed by Shell’s current guess: http://www.irishexaminer.com/business/corrib-pipeline-w….html