Dismay as Facebook deletes Shell to Sea page

national | environment | press release

Friday October 03, 2008 10:30

by Shell to Sea

Shell to Sea activists responded with puzzlement yesterday to the deletion of the campaign's page on the popular social networking site Facebook.

The Facebook page was used to inform supporters of events, to post press releases, and to provide a platform for those who want to show their support for the Shell to Sea campaign.

Attempts by activists to contact Facebook and find out why the page had been deleted were unsuccessful.

Shell to Sea spokesman Terence Conway said:

"Alternative forms of media like Facebook, YouTube, and Indymedia are very important for keeping people informed what is happening regarding Shell's attempt to foist a production pipeline and refinery on the people of County Mayo. Important aspects of the issue, such as the government's giveaway terms for Ireland's natural resources, are often left out of reports in newspapers, radio and television; and in reporting the campaign, the mainstream media are often less than impartial. Using internet sites such as Facebook has allowed people to hear our side of the story."

Ironically, Fianna Fáil Minister Mary Coughlan announced yesterday that Facebook intend to site their European office in Dublin. It was Minister Coughlan who recently signed consents for Shell to work on the "Special Area of Conservation" at Glengad.