Menu
27/04/2009
Renegade Republicans Targeted Shell
Dissident republicans linked to the groups which carried out the murders of two soldiers and a policeman in Northern Ireland last month were responsible for the break-in and criminal damage of the Shell gas plant in Corrib, Co Mayo last week.
The group of around 18 men wearing black balaclavas threatened and struck one of the two security guards on duty with an iron bar before causing damage costing thousands of euro in what Garda sources described as a "military-style" operation.
They used bolt cutters to break into the compound before commandeering a mechanical digger and destroying fencing and the entrance gates.
A delivery lorry was also heavily vandalised at the scene. When additional security staff arrived they group withdrew at around 12.30am.
A cache of improvised weapons; metal bars, a sledgehammer and wooden fence posts with nails, were recovered later.
The protest has been attracting dissident republicans from both sides of the Border. "They are using it as a recruiting ground," said one senior Garda source.
Last year gardai arrested one man during a violent protest who was subsequently questioned about the murders of the two soldiers in Antrim.
Another northern republican detected at the scene was previously a member of the Provisional IRA and was serving a 20-year sentence for bombing when he was released under the Good Friday Agreement.
Another ex-IRA prisoner now associated with the group Eirigi, which is playing an active role in the protest, was also arrested at the plant last year but not charged.
When the gas is running it will employ 130 people at the plant with a further 55 staff jobs in Mayo. The protesters refused to submit to the arbitration process set up by the Government but do attend the "forum" meetings under the former Department of Justice general secretary, Joe Brosnan.
See: Gang Attacks Corrib Shell Compound
(BMcC/JM)
The group of around 18 men wearing black balaclavas threatened and struck one of the two security guards on duty with an iron bar before causing damage costing thousands of euro in what Garda sources described as a "military-style" operation.
They used bolt cutters to break into the compound before commandeering a mechanical digger and destroying fencing and the entrance gates.
A delivery lorry was also heavily vandalised at the scene. When additional security staff arrived they group withdrew at around 12.30am.
A cache of improvised weapons; metal bars, a sledgehammer and wooden fence posts with nails, were recovered later.
The protest has been attracting dissident republicans from both sides of the Border. "They are using it as a recruiting ground," said one senior Garda source.
Last year gardai arrested one man during a violent protest who was subsequently questioned about the murders of the two soldiers in Antrim.
Another northern republican detected at the scene was previously a member of the Provisional IRA and was serving a 20-year sentence for bombing when he was released under the Good Friday Agreement.
Another ex-IRA prisoner now associated with the group Eirigi, which is playing an active role in the protest, was also arrested at the plant last year but not charged.
When the gas is running it will employ 130 people at the plant with a further 55 staff jobs in Mayo. The protesters refused to submit to the arbitration process set up by the Government but do attend the "forum" meetings under the former Department of Justice general secretary, Joe Brosnan.
See: Gang Attacks Corrib Shell Compound
(BMcC/JM)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
18 June 2013
Fathers Rights Groups Claims Responsibility For Taoiseach Protest
Reponsibility for a picket of Taoiseach Enda Kenny's, where a number of protesters were wearing masks, has been claimed by a group called Fathers Rights Ireland. A spokesman for the group has claimed that they chose to protest on Fathers Day to highlight a lack of rights for fathers.
Fathers Rights Groups Claims Responsibility For Taoiseach Protest
Reponsibility for a picket of Taoiseach Enda Kenny's, where a number of protesters were wearing masks, has been claimed by a group called Fathers Rights Ireland. A spokesman for the group has claimed that they chose to protest on Fathers Day to highlight a lack of rights for fathers.
23 April 2009
Gang Attacks Corrib Shell Compound
There's a hunt on today for a gang of men who attacked security staff at a site owned by Shell in Co Mayo. Gardaí believe the masked men attacked the site because of their opposition to the controversial project.
Gang Attacks Corrib Shell Compound
There's a hunt on today for a gang of men who attacked security staff at a site owned by Shell in Co Mayo. Gardaí believe the masked men attacked the site because of their opposition to the controversial project.
10 February 2012
SF Condemns €14.5m Policing Operation For Shell
Speaking after it emerged that the cost of the garda presence at Bellanaboy Shell Refinery has cost over €14.5million since 2006, Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Jonathan O'Brien called on the Minister for Justice Alan Shatter to immediately examine these exorbitant costs.
SF Condemns €14.5m Policing Operation For Shell
Speaking after it emerged that the cost of the garda presence at Bellanaboy Shell Refinery has cost over €14.5million since 2006, Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Jonathan O'Brien called on the Minister for Justice Alan Shatter to immediately examine these exorbitant costs.
01 June 2009
Charges Follow Shell Protest
Eight people have been arrested following a protest at the Shell compound in Glengad, Co Mayo. The arrests were made after over 100 protestors took part in a demonstration against the work of the Shell facility in the area, and some attempted to gain entry through security fencing.
Charges Follow Shell Protest
Eight people have been arrested following a protest at the Shell compound in Glengad, Co Mayo. The arrests were made after over 100 protestors took part in a demonstration against the work of the Shell facility in the area, and some attempted to gain entry through security fencing.
24 October 2012
Ex-Staff Protest At Closed Co. Cavan Poultry Plant
A number of former employees staged an overnight protest at Co-operative Poultry Products, a Co Cavan poultry-processing factory which announced its immediate closure on Tuesday. Staff were informed on Monday evening that the plant would be closing the following day.
Ex-Staff Protest At Closed Co. Cavan Poultry Plant
A number of former employees staged an overnight protest at Co-operative Poultry Products, a Co Cavan poultry-processing factory which announced its immediate closure on Tuesday. Staff were informed on Monday evening that the plant would be closing the following day.
-
Ireland WeatherToday:Gale, coastal severe gale, northwest winds ease from late afternoon. Scattered showers will fall as snow over the hills at first, becoming isolated from mid-afternoon. Maximum temperature 7 °C.Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
