Ongoing Garda presence at Bellanaboy

The Gardai are upholding the law. Their continued presence at Bellanaboy would not be required if the protesters, many from outside the area, were not continuing to prevent local staff and contractors from going to their place of work unhindered.

Shell has taken every reasonable step over the past 12 months to address the legitimate concerns of some members of the local community. We have accepted each and every recommendation in the Government initiated Independent Safety Review. We have also accepted the mediators report - including the recommendation to move the onshore pipeline route.

We believe we have the support of the majority of the local community. In his report published in July the mediator, Mr Peter Cassells, stated that “It is clear a majority of people in Rossport, the wider Erris area and Co. Mayo are in favour of the project”. This report was compiled following a seven month mediation process during which Mr Cassells spoke with a wide cross-section of people in the local area and throughout Co. Mayo.

In addition to the above, as part of its ongoing programme of formal market research, Shell E&P Ireland (SEPIL) commissioned market research. The results show clearly that a majority of people believe that SEPIL has been responsive to the local community over the past 12 months, that the majority favour the recommencement of work and that given the available options Corrib Gas should be processed at Bellanaboy gas terminal rather than be left untouched at sea.