Rossport Solidarity Action At Irish Embassy London
mayo |
miscellaneous |
news report 
Saturday September 15, 2007 16:34
by jane
on friday 14th activists in london did an action at the irish embassy in solidarity with those blockading at Bellanaboy, county mayo
Activists construct 'high pressure pipeline' at Irish Embassy in London
This morning at 9.30 am, diplomats and passers-by were surprised to witness a "dodgy agreement" between a 'Shell representative' and 'the Taoiseach', and find a 'pipeline under construction' at the Irish Embassy in London. A group of activists had gathered at the Embassy to highlight and shame the Irish Government's involvement with Shell in the construction of a high pressure raw gas pipeline at Rossport in County Mayo.
The demonstrators unveiled their banner: "Bertie Ahern: Shelling Ireland out!" In the style of Charlie Chaplin, activists dressed as Bertie Ahern and a Shell representative performed a series of 'dodgy deals'. The Irish Taoiseach "begged" Shell to "Take ownership of our natural resources – for nothing!", and offered Shell and other oil companies "100% of the profit" with "low taxation", "garda oppression", "false prosecutions of protestors" and "the opportunity to destroy EU-protected environments" as sweeteners. The aim of the performance was to draw to attention the irrationality of the government's support of Shell's construction of the dangerous and experimental pipeline in Mayo.
Anne-Marie O'Reilly, an activist at the embassy this morning, explained:
"I can understand why Shell would be in favour of these terms and wouldn't have any objection to the garda baton charging peaceful protestors. But I cannot comprehend why the government would give away Ireland's resources and allow the destruction of environment and community when there is no benefit to Irish people. Perhaps another story of corruption will emerge when it's too late to stop the pipeline?"
The action coincided with the sit-down protest at the refinery in Bellinaboy and with 'Shell to Sea' solidarity actions in Brighton, Berlin and across Europe.
Comments (3 of 3)
Jump To Comment: 1 2 3Shell garage action in Bristol, UK on Friday 14th in solidarity with Bellanaboy demo
Bristol Rising Tide did a solidarity demo at the Shell Garage on Muller Road, Eastville, Bristol from 5:30 till 7:30. It was small but perfectly formed, with good leaflets (thanks to Rossport Solidarity posse) and banners (thanks to clever trevor).
Several drivers changed their minds and went elsewhere for their petrol when they saw us or spoke to us about what is going on in Rossport at Shell's behest. We handed out leaflets at the zebra crossing, where bored and exasperated drivers were trapped in their little metal boxes carping, honking and scratching at each other like battery chickens. It gave them something to read in the extensive traffic jam that sat next to the garage.
Several Irish passers-by showed particular interest.
The forecourt was almost completely empty most of the time we were there, so we effectively shut it down without any police action or other such quotidian aggro.
Photos were taken and will appear shortly if fortune and our silicon masters smile upon us.
Our press release is below.
STARTS
We are at the Shell petrol station on Muller Road in Bristol today (Sep 14th) occupying the forecourt in protest against Shell’s treatment of the people of Rossport, in County Mayo, Ireland.
From 6pm we will be there, in solidarity with the community of Rossport, who have been imprisoned, beaten and intimidated by the Irish police at Shell’s request.
We are activists from Bristol Rising Tide, a group who campaigns about climate change and human rights.
Shell want to build a dangerous and environmentally destructive gas pipeline and refinery right next to people’s houses on unstable marsh land. There is massive opposition in the local community and there has been support for their struggle across Ireland and internationally, with many Shell garages being targeted for demos.
In 2005, 5 men were jailed for 3 months for refusing to allow Shell access to their land. Following their imprisonment the community set up a picket at the proposed refinery site, stopping work for over a year. Last autumn, large numbers of police moved into the area and beat the community off the streets. Numerous people were hospitalized and the police brutality has been internationally condemned. More recently state repression has involved the initiation of malicious prosecutions against prominent local campaigners. Despite the strong forces working against them, the community continues to resist. We are here in support of their struggle.
ENDS
Contact: Bristol Rising Tide 07988 460373 or 07983 350021
solidarity action in UK co-inciding with Bellanaboy blockade
Yesterday morning at 8am, a banner was hung over the A58 /Leeds Inner Ring Road in solidarity with the day of action against Shell's plans for a gas pipeline & refinery in Mayo, Ireland. see link for photo
well done!
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