Labour issue a statement condemning Corrib Pipeline

national | rights, freedoms and repression | press release Thursday June 30, 2005 17:18 by Labour youth.

Dempsey must act over pipeline protestors' imprisonment


Issued : Wednesday 29 June, 2005

Statement by Tommy Broughan TD
Spokesperson on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources and Assistant Whip

Labour Spokesperson on Energy, Deputy Tommy Broughan has called the imprisonment today of five men who are protesting at the construction of the Corrib gas pipeline in Mayo as an “disturbing development that must be brought to an end as quickly as possible for the sake of these five men and their families.

“While the legal process has to be respected at all times these men have genuine concerns about the safety of this proposed pipeline which have motivated their continuing protests against this pipeline.

“There have also been serious questions posed about the lack of community consultation and deficiencies in the planning process that led to this development being approved.

“It is regrettable that Shell and StatOil have proceeded with this action today as the goodwill and support of the people of North Mayo and Erris would ensure the smoother progression of this pipeline project.

“When I received news about this action against the five protestors today from the Labour Party organisation in North Mayo I immediately raised it at the Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Natural Resources and Marine.

“Minister Noel Dempsey must now intervene and seek agreement on the appointment of an independent and mutually respected arbitrator who can resolve this dispute to the satisfaction of all parties and avoid any similar scenarios where protestors are imprisoned as witnessed today.”


http://www.labour.ie/press/listing/20050629163405.html