The Irish Times – Monday, May 10, 2010
LORNA SIGGINS Western Correspondent
THREE GOVERNMENT Ministers have been told the jailing of a Mayo fisherman for Corrib-gas-related offences has caused considerable hurt among residents who have never engaged in protests over the project.
Ballinaboy resident Jacinta Healy, who pointed out that her husband works with the project, told the Governments North Mayo forum at the weekend that her community had been let down by handling of the project by both Shell EP Ireland and the Government.
The fact that An Bord Pleanála had recently found up to half of the modified onshore pipeline route to be unacceptable on safety grounds had exacerbated fears among residents living close to the gas terminal, Ms Healy said.
If its not safe in Rossport, it is safe in Ballinaboy beside us? Ms Healy asked. Just because we are not out there protesting, it doesnt mean that we dont have concerns, she said.
Shell may have given employment, but wed rather not see the gas coming in here due to the impact it has had on the community, she said.
Ms Healy was addressing Minister for Energy Eamon Ryan, Minister for Gaeltacht Affairs Pat Carey, Minister for Social Protection Éamon Ó Cuív and Junior Labour Affairs Minister Dara Calleary during a discussion on the forums future in Belmullet.
The forum, initiated in late 2008 to try and resolve difficulties associated with the Corrib gas dispute, has not worked as well as it should have, Mr Ryan and its chairman Joe Brosnan have acknowledged. Shell to Sea and two community groups in Kilcommon parish have refused to participate, due to its terms of reference.
Ms Healy told the Ministers and Mr Brosnan that the Government forum was good for one reason it is not leaving it to Shell to decide what they can and cant do.
She outlined how residents had objected to planning permission for the gas terminal, until we had neither the energy nor the money.
The jailing in February of fisherman Pat ODonnell for seven months had put extra strain on the community, she said.
While he may have lost the run of himself, it was with good reason, as the Shell project has had an awful impact on people, she said, adding that Mr ODonnells daughter was due to make her First Communion.
Hes not a thug, she said, referring to Judge Raymond Groarkes description of Mr ODonnell when he imposed a seven-month jail term on him for threatening behaviour towards a garda, and wilful obstruction of a peace officer.
Mr Brosnan described her input as refreshing, while Mr Ryan acknowledged it was very hard for community representatives to ask questions of the developers in the forums current format. Mr Carey said there was considerable community expertise in the area which could be engaged.
Erris Inshore Fishermens Association (EIFA) chairman Eddie Diver said afterwards that he endorsed Ms Healys comments. EIFA has written to the Castlerea prison governor seeking early release of Mr ODonnell on compassionate grounds due to the onset of the fishing season.
Shell to Sea activist Maura Harrington and five supporters attempted to disrupt the session on Saturday with a loudhailer.
Mr Brosnan reconvened the session in a smaller room, where Shell EP Ireland Corrib operations manager Mark Carrigy confirmed the developers would submit a new route for the onshore pipeline through Sruwaddacon estuary to Bord Pleanála by May 31st.
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