The Bantry Solidarity Lodge.

cork | rights, freedoms and repression | news report

Tuesday July 04, 2006 01:03

by Niall Harnett - Bantry Solidarity Camp & Lodge / Gluaiseacht.

Remember these times, and remember they are possible between men.

In the last few days and weeks, a number of volunteers who met to discuss this issue at the recent Rossport Solidarity Camp Anniversary Gathering (http://www.corribsos.com/index.php?id=738), have been travelling to Bantry, Co Cork, meeting with the Bantry Concerned Action Group, supporting their blockade of the ESB pylon project and setting up the Bantry Solidarity Camp & Lodge.

The Bantry Solidarity Camp & Lodge is ready now to receive visitors who wish to support the Bantry Concerned Action Group in their fight against the ESB (Electricity Supply Board) who are attempting to bully their way without permission onto their lands, woods and farms to construct pylons, poles and overhead power lines in order to facilitate the private development, Glanta Windfarm, on behalf of developers Murnane & O'Shea, who by all accounts have gotten their way in Bantry, Co Cork, for far too long now.

I phoned Bob Murnane of Murnane & O’Shea on Friday for a comment/drink/meeting/interview, but he declined. Maybe we can meet another time Bob or perhaps you’d like to add a comment on to this article.

BURY THE POWERLINES, NOT THE CHILDREN!

Bantry Solidarity Lodge …

The 'Rossport Model of Resistance' has inspired and empowered many other 'communities in struggle', both nationally and internationally, including the BCAG - Bantry Concerned Action Group . It has also given their supporters - social, environmental & political activists - invaluable experience in being able to respond quickly and effectively in support of such communities, in terms of physical support on the ground.

Friends, neighbours and members of the BCAG have offered generous support and the use of the ‘lodge in the woods’ and the surrounding woods of Drombroe, to those who are willing to visit, to camp and/or to stay for a while in support of their fight against the ESB.

Drombroe Lodge is an old stone cottage which was empty and in need of cleaning and kitting out when we were offered the keys. A bit of work and some building materials, oil lamps, cooking equipment, kitchen stuff, furniture and bedding donated by our new friends in Bantry and the lodge is a home from home.

The lodge is without water or electricity so we have had to adapt with some simple off-suite washing and compost toilet facilities. Water is carried in from neighbours in big containers, cooking is over gas and oil lamps and candles are used for light. Eco-biodegradable products are used for washing and cleaning. Waste is recycled and composted.

- For those wanting to come to the camp & lodge - bring your tent and camping gear as the house cannot sleep many people.

- Agreed Camp Guidelines are fairly simple for the moment:

- NO DOGS, NO DRUGS, BE COOL!

- Be prepared to rough it slightly and bring only eco-biodegradable soaps, shampoos and toothpastes etc which you can get in the health shops etc and use to wash or swim in the river and lake.

- Camp contact: Róisín 086 1296344.