Sunday May 10 2009
There was a stand off between protestors and Gardai at the Shell to Sea site in Mayo last night.
Gardai made a series of arrests after a 150 demonstrators descended on the facility at Glengad beach.
The Shell to Sea group had clearly signalled their intent ahead of last night’s protest – they wanted to dismantle a fence surrounding Shell’s compound which they claim has been erected illegally.
Their attempts to tear down the fence failed and at no time was the compound breached.
However, a Garda spokesperson has said that while they fully recognise people’s right to protest peacefully – a number of individuals arrived at the site with the clear intent to commit criminal damage.
A total of seven men were arrested on public order offences.
The Shell to Sea Group said they intend to rebuild their camp near the shore and continue to take direct action against the company.