10th July 09
Rossport Solidarity Camp remains strong at Glengad with people taking action and planning for ongoing resistance to Shell’s gas pipeline in Erris, both offshore and onshore.
A recent national meeting of Shell to Sea groups at the camp last weekend saw people motivated to continue with the fight. The camp on the clifftops at Glengad will continue over the coming months and, despite heavy-handed bail conditions which have banned people from Mayo, a steady stream of visitors to the camp keeps spirits high.
The focal point of the camp for a long time has been the arrival of the pipe-laying ship the Solitaire. The ship is now far out into the bay laying pipeline on its way to the well-head. The navy have also left the bay, still leaving a heavy security presence guarding the dredgers as they back-fill over the pipe. The most recent action has focused on the supply ships which go out regularly from Killlibegs in Donegal, to support the Solitaire and the well head construction.
Attention is now also turning to the onshore section of the pipeline which would run from Broadhaven bay for 9km to the refinery under construction at Bellenaboy. Shell have yet to be granted planning permission, although a decision is expected soon. Granting permission would open the way for drilling and construction work across pristine river estuary, peat bogland and heavily contested farmland and commonage.
This remains a very important time to come to the camp to take action against the building of the pipeline at all stages. There are many and varied ways to make a significant contribution. Support is invaluable to sustain the solidarity camp, which has been a target for legal repression, and the local community who have also recently faced traumatic acts of violence.
Whether it is for a few days or a few weeks this summer come and be in this beautiful place and join the solidarity camp in a fight against corporate greed, the arrogance of the state, and environmental and community devastation.