Shell deplores Shell to Sea protest tactics at Dublin HQ this morning

Shell to Sea protestors attempted to blockade entrances to Corrib House from 07:30 this morning. Some workers were initially physically prevented from entering the building, however prompt Garda action ensured all staff got to work.

Staff arriving at work were subjected to both physical and verbal abuse. A number of employees were heavily jostled by the protestors. Damage was also caused to the car of one staff member as she tried to enter the car park. Workers in adjoining buildings were also abused and prevented from parking their cars.

SEPIL fully recognised the right to peaceful protest but today’s actions were anything but peaceful.

The company recognises that a minority of people are opposed to the Corrib project and have genuine concerns. The company appeals to those people to enter into dialogue rather than resort to physical blockades.

• SEPIL has agreed to find a new pipeline route for the Corrib gas project and is in the process of consultation with the local community around this.
• Full planning permission was granted for the construction of the Bellanaboy gas processing terminal in 2004.
• Work re-commenced at Bellanaboy in October 2006 following more than a year of suspension to allow Peter Cassells, the independent mediator, to undertake his work and publish his report.
• The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is currently conducting an oral hearing in Belmullet into its Proposed Decision to grant an Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) licence for the Bellanaboy terminal.
• The EPA, which is the competent environmental authority in Ireland, confirmed in January that emissions from the gas terminal, “will not adversely affect human health or the environment and will meet all relevant national and EU standards”, when operated in accordance with the conditions of the proposed licence.