Shell to Sea protest outside Topaz in Newbridge

kildare | miscellaneous | news report Saturday July 25, 2009 18:12 by Bazra B

Shell to Sea protest outside Topaz in Newbridge, Co. Kildare

Protestors Outside Topaz

A large group of around 20 people attended a protest outside the new Topaz petrol station in Newbridge, Co. Kildare on Saturday. The protest was organized by the newly established Kildare branch of the ‘Shell to Sea’ campaign which seeks to ensure the proposed Corrib gas terminal and pipeline are constructed offshore, as is best practice. Whilst also highlighting the negligent environmental, health, safety, planning and economic consequences of this government backed plan. The group spent the afternoon handing out information leaflets to the public who warmly received them and were eager to show their support.

A spokesperson from Kildare Shell to Sea outlined the rationale as they see it for Saturdays protest saying “we feel it is very important that people know Topaz is the new name for shell who currently benefit from our oil and gas reserves at our expense, these reserves are estimated by the Irish government at €540 Billion. It is also unacceptable that an experimental inland gas refinery and dangerous high pressure pipeline is being force on the small rural population of Rossport and we are opposed to this great gas give away and disgraceful treatment of Irish people on so many levels and urge people to boycott Topaz and send a clear message”. The group wished to thank everyone who turned out for the protest and also the people of Newbridge who issued the support on passing by.

Anyone wishing to get involved can contact the group by email at kildareshelltosea@gmail.com