[IMC-UK-Features] Ammendments for indymedia uk : Rossport

[iggyp at riseup.net]

Hi IndyPeople..

I have here an update straight from the front line at Rossport. I am
hoping that this can be the new 'head article' on the Rossport/Shell to
Sea feature on Indymedia UK.

Included in the first paragraph are indymedia links to previous articles.
Is it possible to put the previous key info eg. the first one "Rossport
Solidarity camp reborn", as hyperlinks? Do you accept HTML?

if you have any questions, please email me.
Thanks
Brian.






This week has seen Rossport Solidarity camp reborn
(https://publish.indymedia.org.uk/en/2008/08/407606.html)   and the week
of action against offshore pipeline work extended. If you have ever
thought of supporting the Shell to Sea campaign: now is the time to do it!
The week of action was called in anticipation of the arrival of the
world’s largest pipeline ship, the Solitaire. However, due to bad weather
conditions the ship’s arrival was delayed. Nonetheless, actions took place
throughout the week against preparatory pipeline work, including:
disruption of dredging work designed to create the trench for the pipe
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2008/08/407235.html , site invasions into
Shell’s compound and a visit by Shell to Sea kayakers to the Solitaire
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2008/08/407190.html .  Friday the 29th of
August saw better weather conditions and the arrival of the winching rig
and cable and the return of the dredging machine into the bay (link to
techy explanation:
https://publish.indymedia.org.uk/en/2008/08/407268.html?c=on#c203020 ).
The Navy has also arrived (the first time the Navy has ever been used in
an operation against a civil demonstration). If the good weather holds,
Shell will attempt to complete the near shore part of the pipeline in the
next few days.  It seems now really is the time. Believed to be booked up
for the next 2 years, the Solitaire has a very short time frame to
complete its part in the pipeline construction. Resistance now is crucial
and the Rossport community have made a call out for people to come to the
area to support the campaign. Check out feature additions and comments for
regular updates. The rest of the article outlines some of the recent
history of the campaign...
PLEASE ADD THESE NEWS LINKS:
 http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2008/08/406943.html
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2008/08/407012.html
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2008/08/407190.html
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2008/08/407235.html
https://publish.indymedia.org.uk/en/2008/08/407801.html
REST OF ARTICLE
Preparatory pipeline work at Glengad began in late July when Shell built a
compound on Glengad beach, former home of the Rossport Solidarity Camp. As
has come to be expected, Shell’s latest work has been facilitated through
intimidation, violence and political corruption. At the end of last month,
a joint team of 40 Gardai and 70 Shell specialist security moved onto
Glengad beach to enable the construction of a causeway and the erection of
10ft high steel fencing half a mile long, cordoning off the area. No
notice was given and Shell fails to mention its occupation of the public
beach in its publicity material. Working together, the Gardai and security
forcibly removed around 30 local people who attempted to stop work.
Another day, 13 people were arrested for trespass on the beach, one of
whom was seriously injured and hospitalized for over a week after being
injured in Garda custody. While this once pristine bay was ravaged by
Shell’s activity, local people also witnessed pods of dolphins forced out
of the bay by Shell speed boats.
Initially it appeared that the work was illegal as consents for pipeline
work at Glengad had not been granted. It later emerged that the
authorizations had been given, but the government had failed to publicize
them. Minister for Energy, Eamon Ryan claimed that the failure to
publicize the consents had been an “oversight”. “Oversights” such as this
characterize the politics of the project and are exactly what the Green
party minister was so critical of in opposition.
This key section of the pipeline was granted permission outside of the
usual planning process. Eamon Ryan used the Gas Act to exempt what is
arguably the most dangerous part of the whole project. The 200 metre
exempted section will be subject to the pipeline’s highest pressures
(potentially up to 345 bar, the highest pipeline pressure in a residential
area anywhere in the world) and runs from the landfall at Glengad under
Dooncarton mountain. The original landfall permission was awarded in 2002
before the devastating 2003 landslide that saw 200,000 cubic meters of
debris washed off Dooncarton, destroying houses, bridges and roads. In
spite of the obvious dangers, no review of the permission has taken place
since this time.
Pipeline work is ongoing despite the fact that planning permission for the
remainder of the modified onshore pipeline route has not yet been granted.
The proposed onshore route runs 9km through protected blanket bog
habitats, Special Areas of Conservation, Specially Protected Areas
(protected habitats under the EU habitats directive), commonage and
farmland.
Since the occupation of Glengad beach by Shell in late July, the company’s
bright yellow security army are a constant source of intimidation in the
Broadhaven Bay area. The unidentified security (often wearing balaclavas),
use video cameras and binoculars to monitor anyone on, or near, the public
beach, including children. The company hired by Shell is headed by a
former member of the elite Irish Rangers Unit and while the company claim
that current members of the defense force are not part of the operation,
it is known that other former military personal have been hired.
Meanwhile, Shell has used its usual tactics of divide and rule and bribery
to silence resistance from local fishers to the project, overcoming what
the company views as one of the final hurdles preventing the Solitaire
beginning work in the bay. The local fishers universally expressed
concerns over the location of the discharge pipe and its outfall diffuser
(certain to pollute both Broadhaven Bay and inshore waters) and disruption
to their work during the laying of the offshore pipeline. However, last
week, after long negotiations, a significant number of fishers have agreed
to keep quiet in return for compensation. Others however, remain resolute
in their opposition. Fisherman Pat O Donnell stated, “I believe the health
of the marine environment for future generations is more important than
short term compensation” He says that himself and the other fishers who
refused to accept Shell’s bribe will continue to fish in the path of the
Solitaire.
Meanwhile,  on Saturday the 16th of August, the week of action was kick
started by a crew of boat activists, fresh from the Climate Camp’s Rebel
Regatta, reclaiming Glengad beach.(link to news wire) Occurring on the day
the Solitaire was originally due to arrive in the area, this was the first
in a series of actions aiming to stop pipeline work
And its not just the locals and rebel boaters who are refusing to bow to
the might of Shell, the ocean is also fighting back. Dredging operations
for the offshore pipeline have seen several boats in difficulties,
marooned on rocks in the choppy waters of Broadhaven Bay and in need of
emergency repairs. So, with a call out for action, dissident fishermen and
turbulent waters there is reason to believe the Solitaire won’t be in for
an easy ride

Now is the time to come to Mayo to support the campaign. Check out the
Rossport Solidarity Camp website for travel and accommodation info.



___________________
a single act of defiance is worth more than a thousand angry words. You
know what to do.
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