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Rossport Five

Shell Says It’s `Committed’ to Controversial Irish Gas Pipeline

BLOOMBERG: Shell Says It’s `Committed’ to Controversial Irish Gas Pipeline

“Five Irishmen spent 94 days in jail for refusing to obey a court order not to interfere with the pipeline to an onshore processing plant. They and their supporters say it’s being built on “unstable bog land” close to homes, and that the proposed refinery will pollute a nearby nature reserve and local water.”

Friday 14 October 2005

Oct. 14 (Bloomberg) — Royal Dutch Shell Plc, Europe’s second-largest oil company, said it plans to proceed with a controversial pipeline in western Ireland to pump gas onshore from the 900 million-euro ($1.1 billion) Corrib field.

Shell is “fully committed both to the completion of the Corrib Project and to finding a solution that will deal with all of the issues concerning some local landowners,” Shell E&P Ireland Ltd. Managing Director Andy Pyle said today in an e-mailed statement. read more

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Irish Times: Corrib hearing aims for ‘post hoc justification’

Irish Times: Corrib hearing aims for ‘post hoc justification’

“Minister for the Marine Noel Dempsey is trying to provide a “post hoc” justification for Government decisions on the Corrib gas project, according to the five Mayo men who spent 94 days in prison for their opposition to the onshore pipeline.”:”What is crucially important to understand is that our opposition to the proposed pipeline is grounded firmly on our analysis of the consequences of an accident, given the extraordinary proximity of the pipeline to our homes. We say that this would be catastrophic for ourselves and our community,” they said.”

Thursday Oct 13, 2005

Lorna Siggins, Marine Correspondent, in Geesala, Co Mayo

Minister for the Marine Noel Dempsey is trying to provide a “post hoc” justification for Government decisions on the Corrib gas project, according to the five Mayo men who spent 94 days in prison for their opposition to the onshore pipeline.

In a statement read at yesterday’s public hearing into the pipeline, the men acknowledged the principle of consultation and public engagement, but said it should have occurred before key approvals were granted. read more

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Irish Times: Controversy over Mayo pipeline

Irish Times: Controversy over Mayo pipeline

“I should make it clear that during the course of their imprisonment, my concern was to make constructive proposals to the Government, Shell and the men themselves that might lead to their release.”

Thursday Oct 13, 2005

Madam, – In a letter in your edition of October 11th, five men from Rossport, Co Mayo criticise my attitude to their imprisonment. I want to make it clear that at all times I believe the rule of law must be upheld in a democracy.

If the law is inappropriate or inadequate then it should be changed, but until it is changed it must be upheld.

I should make it clear that during the course of their imprisonment, my concern was to make constructive proposals to the Government, Shell and the men themselves that might lead to their release. read more

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Irish Times: Controversy over Mayo pipeline

Irish Times: Controversy over Mayo pipeline

“…the whole saga, has created a dichotomy between the so-called Rossport Five (“good”) and Shell (“bad”) that could well result in there being no way through the impasse, and in thousands of people (the silent majority, perhaps?) being denied access to natural gas as a source of power”

Tuesday Oct 11, 2005

Madam, – We wish to commend all those who rallied to our assistance this summer. It is important to do this following the nonsensical assertions by Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny on RTE’s The Week in Politics on October 3rd (The Irish Times, October 4th).

He asserted that his office was picketed by Sinn Fein and he rejected criticism of his stance on the Corrib crisis as a Sinn Fein-inspired campaign because of his opposition to a proposed deal over the release of IRA prisoners. read more

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Huge public pressure forced Shell to lift an injunction

FROM OUR SHELL NEWS ARCHIVE OCTOBER 2004

The Guardian (UK): Don’t be defeatist: the power of protest is alive and well

“…in Ireland last week huge public pressure forced Shell to lift an injunction which had seen five anti-pipeline farmers jailed for 94 days.”

Friday 7 October 2005

The government cannot stifle dissent, say Helen Steel and Dave Morris

George Monbiot looked at some of the wide range of repressive measures increasingly being used to undermine the public’s right to protest (Protest is criminalised and the huffers and puffers say nothing, October 4). The government is exploiting every opportunity to extend its powers over us all. Its aim is to try to protect the status quo so that those who have wealth and power can continue to dominate our world, untroubled by anyone fighting back. read more

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Shell may face contempt proceedings over pipeline breach

FROM OUR SHELL NEWS ARCHIVE OCTOBER 2005

Western People: Shell may face contempt proceedings over pipeline breach

“As the Rossport Five walked to freedom in the High Court on Friday after 94 days in jail, Shell oil company executives, who had demanded their imprisonment in the first place, were themselves having to face potential contempt of court issues.”

Posted Thursday, October 06, 2005

By Ray Managh at the High Court, Dublin

As the Rossport Five walked to freedom in the High Court on Friday after 94 days in jail, Shell oil company executives, who had demanded their imprisonment in the first place, were themselves having to face potential contempt of court issues.

High Court President, Mr Justice Joseph Finnegan, who released the men to the cheers of their families and friends, told counsel for Shell, Mr Patrick Hanratty, he wanted the company to address its breach of an undertaking not to do anything not permitted by the licence of Minister for the Marine, Noel Dempsey. read more

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Controversy over Mayo pipeline

Irish Times: Controversy over Mayo pipeline

“…a presence will be maintained in the area to keep an eye on things and to monitor any breaches of the “ceasefire” which may be perpetrated by Shell or the State.”

Thursday 6 October 2005

Madam, – There have been many unsung heroes (and heroines) in the protracted dispute over the proposed gas terminal at Rossport, Co Mayo. I would like to draw attention to one rarely mentioned group, namely the people from all over Ireland and further afield who have staffed the protest camp which is situated right on the route of the proposed high-pressure gas pipeline at Rossport,

This camp, which is in the middle of an old turf bog, and which has been occupied round the clock since August even though it is gradually sinking into the aforementioned bog, is due to he dismantled later this week owing to the hardships and difficulties in trying to continue occupying it in the face of Atlantic gales and storms. The protesters intend to return in the spring. In the meantime a presence will be maintained in the area to keep an eye on things and to monitor any breaches of the “ceasefire” which may be perpetrated by Shell or the State. read more

This website and sisters royaldutchshellplc.com, shellnazihistory.com, royaldutchshell.website, johndonovan.website, and shellnews.net, are owned by John Donovan. There is also a Wikipedia segment.

Rossport Five – Outbreak of reason is long overdue

IrishExaminer.com: Rossport Five – Outbreak of reason is long overdue

“…the court also intends to hear evidence that Shell itself was in breach of court orders by continuing development, despite undertakings not to do so.”: “Dr Mark Garavan, a spokesman for the men, was unequivocal that seven weeks ago, they indicated they would engage in talks once the injunction was removed. That is exactly what happened yesterday.”

Saturday 01/10/05

Reason prevailed in the High Court yesterday with the release of the so-called Rossport Five after 94 days in jail because of their opposition to Shell’s Corrib gas pipeline.

Had it been invoked in the first instance, these men need never to have seen the inside of a prison.

They effectively received a ticking off from the President of the High Court, Mr Justice Joseph Finnegan, who warned them about their future conduct, although later this month he will decide if they are still to be punished for an illegal protest at the gas development site. read more

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BBC News: Gas pipeline protesters released

BBC News: Gas pipeline protesters released

Posted Saturday 1 October 2005

Five men jailed for protesting against the construction of a gas pipeline in County Mayo have been freed from jail.

Shell took out an injunction against the men, known as the Rossport Five, when they refused to halt the protest at the Corrib gas development site.

They spent 94 days in jail for obstructing construction work in breach of a court order.

The injunction has now been lifted. A judge is to decide next month if the men will be punished for contempt. read more

This website and sisters royaldutchshellplc.com, shellnazihistory.com, royaldutchshell.website, johndonovan.website, and shellnews.net, are owned by John Donovan. There is also a Wikipedia segment.

Rossport men released by High Court

RTE NEWS: Rossport men released by High Court

“Mr Justice Joseph Finnegan also said he will hear evidence that Shell itself was in breach of court orders by continuing development, despite undertakings not to do so.”

Posted Saturday 1 October 2005

30 September 2005 22:41

The five Mayo men who were jailed for breach of an injunction against their protest over the Corrib gas pipeline have been released from custody.

The President of the High Court has warned them about their future conduct and will decide next month whether they are still to be punished for an illegal protest at the Corrib Gas Development site.

Mr Justice Joseph Finnegan also said he will hear evidence that Shell itself was in breach of court orders by continuing development, despite undertakings not to do so. read more

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Rossport 5 issue statement

Ireland On-Line: Rossport 5 issue statement

“We remind Shell and their Irish government partner that imprisonments have historically and will always fail as a method to secure the agreement of Irish people.We now call on our supporters to intensify the campaign for the safety of our community and families. We invite all citizens to join with us at a national rally tomorrow Saturday, October 1st. The rally will depart from the Garden of Remembrance at 2pm and march to the Dáil. The campaign has now begun in earnest.”

Posted Saturday 1 October 2005

The Rossport five have issued a statement following their release from prison today.

“We the Rossport 5 would like to thank our neighbours, friends and fellow Irish citizens for the loving support we and our families have received during these 94 traumatic days. In addition we would like to thank the incoming Norwegian government for their respect, support and assistance.

“We remind Shell and their Irish government partner that imprisonments have historically and will always fail as a method to secure the agreement of Irish people. read more

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High Court frees Rossport men

Irish Times: High Court frees Rossport men: “As the men known as the Rossport Five walked free from the High Court yesterday after 94 days in jail, Shell oil company executives, who had demanded their imprisonment in the first place, were themselves having to face potential contempt of court issues”

Saturday Oct 01, 2005

Court report: As the men known as the Rossport Five walked free from the High Court yesterday after 94 days in jail, Shell oil company executives, who had demanded their imprisonment in the first place, were themselves having to face potential contempt of court issues.

High Court president Mr Justice Joseph Finnegan, who released the men to the cheers of their families and friends, told counsel for Shell Patrick Hanratty, he wanted the company to address its breach of an undertaking not to do anything not permitted by the licence of Minister for the Marine Noel Dempsey. read more

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Free at last: Rossport heroes vow to fight on

Irish Independent: Free at last: Rossport heroes vow to fight on

“AFTER 94 days in prison, five men tasted freedom yesterday after an epic David and Goliath battle with the multinational Shell oil company.”

Saturday Oct 01, 2005

AFTER 94 days in prison, five men tasted freedom yesterday after an epic David and Goliath battle with the multinational Shell oil company.

The Rossport Five will savour their triumph today when they will head a major rally in Dublin – just 24 hours after their release.

There were tears and cheers for the Co Mayo men who faced prison rather than obey a High Court order not to interfere with the construction of the Corrib gas pipeline.

The famous rotunda of the Four Courts has seldom seen such emotional scenes as those that greeted the men as they walked from court into the arms of family members and friends. read more

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Shell faces possible contempt as five go free after 94 days in jail

Irish Independent: Shell faces possible contempt as five go free after 94 days in jail

“Counsel for Shell, Patrick Hanratty, had applied to discharge the injunction “AS the Rossport Five walked free in the High Court yesterday, the Shell oil company itself was facing possible contempt of court.”

Saturday Oct 01, 2005

AS the Rossport Five walked free in the High Court yesterday, the Shell oil company itself was facing possible contempt of court.

The five have spent 94 days in jail. The oil company had demanded their imprisonment.

High Court President, Mr Justice Joseph Finnegan, who released the men to the cheers of their families and friends, said he wanted the company to address its breach of an undertaking.

The undertaking was not to do anything not permitted by the licence of Marine Minister Noel Dempsey. read more

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Bog stand-off: Five men from County Mayo defy the might of Shell

Daily Telegraph Magazine: Bog stand-off: Five men from County Mayo defy the might of Shell

“In local eyes, the villain is the oil giant Shell (the lead company in a consortium developing the gas), closely followed by the Irish government which granted compulsory acquisition orders for the pipe to cross the jailed men’s land.”

Saturday 1 October 2005

In Rossport, western Ireland, five men have been imprisoned for defying the will of the multinational oil giant Shell and refusing to allow a gas pipeline to be built across their land. Their plight has galvanised a community and turned this remote, rural outpost into an unlikely location for eco-activism. Robert Chesshyre reports

Watched by police officers in unmarked cars, eco-warriors in ragged T-shirts and unlaced boots man a picket line; in farmhouse kitchens women gather anxiously around peat stoves to chew over the latest news; beyond the scattered village on the heather-tinged bog someone has carved in huge whitewashed letters, JUSTICE AND FREEDOM FOR THE ROSSPORT FIVE; Irish tricolours flutter from telephone poles. The countryside is alive with dissent. read more

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Protest Stalls Energy Giant in Rural Ireland

The Washington Post: Protest Stalls Energy Giant in Rural Ireland

“The government and Shell should be ashamed of themselves,”

Sunday 25 September 2005
Farmers’ Jailing Over Gas Project Fuels Sharp Debate

By Kevin Sullivan
Washington Post Foreign Service
Sunday, September 25, 2005; Page A30

ROSSPORT, Ireland — Five farmers from these wind-swept coastal boglands have been locked up in a Dublin prison for nearly three months for blocking construction of a $1.1 billion natural gas pipeline and refinery by the Shell oil group, a standoff that has forced suspension of the largest energy project in Irish history.

The imprisonment of the group known here as the Rossport Five, which includes a 65-year-old former schoolteacher, has sparked protest marches across Ireland and an emotional debate about the pace and balance of economic development in a once-poor country that has become one of Europe’s greatest success stories. read more

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Call for Shell to drop gas line as Mayo men are freed

The Observer: Call for Shell to drop gas line as Mayo men are freed

Brother of murdered Ken Saro Wiwa backs Rossport 5: “He said the mens’ courage in going to prison for their cause gave inspiration to the Ogoni people of southern Nigeria, who he said have suffered environmental devastation at the hands of Shell.”: “Meanwhile, senior Shell executives are understood to be concerned about the damage done to the company’s image by jailing the five men.”

Sunday October 2, 2005

Nicola Byrne

Controversial plans to build a gas terminal in the west of Ireland came under renewed attack last night after the brother of murdered Nigerian anti-Shell activist Ken Saro Wiwa called for the firm to abandon the scheme.

It follows the energy company’s decision to drop an injunction against five county Mayo landowners who were imprisoned for three months for attempting to obstruct the laying of a high pressure gas pipeline under their land.

Dr Owens Wiwa – whose brother Ken was an opponent of Shell’s activities in the Niger delta and was hanged by the Nigerian government after a show trial in 1995 – was in the High Court in Dublin to see the so-called Rossport Five released from custody on Friday. read more

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Shell hints at moving pipeline to end Rossport dispute

The Sunday Times: Shell hints at moving pipeline to end Rossport dispute

“…it emerged that Shell went against its own legal advice in agreeing to lift the injunction against the men. It fears that this could prejudice a further application for an injunction.”: “There was a clear attempt to break the will of these men. That’s why they were left in Cloverhill prison.”

Sunday 2 October 2005

Stephen O’Brien and Siobhan Maguire

SHELL’s gas pipeline is likely to be moved away from the homes of the Rossport Five and other property owners in Mayo as part of a government-led process to settle the dispute.

Mediation gets under way in the coming weeks and government officials and Shell yesterday admitted that moving the pipeline a greater distance from people’s homes would be a key matter.

The energy company is hopeful a positive consultation over safety issues will defuse tension now that the Rossport Five have been released from prison. read more

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Mediator ‘next hurdle’ for Shell dispute

Sunday Business Post (Ireland): Mediator ‘next hurdle’ for Shell dispute

02 October 2005

By Laura Noonan

The “next hurdle” in the Shell dispute is finding a willing and able mediator on whom Shell and local Mayo residents can agree, energy minister Noel Dempsey said this weekend.

The Rossport Five were released from jail last Friday after Shell and local residents agreed to Dempsey’s proposals to work with a mediator to resolve the dispute.

The five men spent 94 days in jail for refusing to agree not to obstruct Shell’s pipeline, which the men claim is unsafe. read more

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The Rossport saga

Irish Times: The Rossport saga

“A Government-ordered safety review, in which opponents of the gas pipeline have refused to participate, could reach conclusions that neither side find comfortable.”

Monday 3 October 2005

Oct 03, 2005

The five men from Rossport in Co Mayo who spent 94 days in prison for being in contempt of the High Court received a warm welcome home at the weekend and are no doubt happy beyond words to be back with their families and friends.

It would be churlish not to wish them well but as they themselves have noted since their release on Friday, the saga that landed them in jail is far from over.

A Government-ordered safety review, in which opponents of the gas pipeline have refused to participate, could reach conclusions that neither side find comfortable. Separately, a mediator is to be appointed under the plan brokered by marine minister Noel Dempsey. That person will need to command the respect of both sides and will need to have terms of reference acceptable to both for their appointment to get off the ground. Thereafter, there must then be real and tangible evidence of good will for the mediation process to reach a successful conclusion. read more

This website and sisters royaldutchshellplc.com, shellnazihistory.com, royaldutchshell.website, johndonovan.website, and shellnews.net, are owned by John Donovan. There is also a Wikipedia segment.

Five savour freedom after 94 days in jail

Irish Times: Five savour freedom after 94 days in jail

“Speaking to The Irish Times less than 24 hours after Shell E&P Ireland collapsed the temporary injunction which led to their release from prison, the jokes were flying among the five men and their families.”: “They had observed efforts by Shell E&P Ireland to “spin” this line. “The language – references to anarchy – mirrored that used in Nigeria 10 years ago by Shell before Ken Sara Wiwa and his colleagues were hanged,”

Monday 2 October 2005

Lorna Siggins

Oct 03, 2005

Larger than life Willie Corduff grips his armchair, remembering how he felt almost 14 weeks ago when he and four of his north Mayo neighbours were committed to an indefinite period in prison.

He had never been in a courtroom before, never dreamt he would see the inside of a jail. It would be his habit to stop and greet fellow Rossport farmers and neighbours like Philip and Vincent McGrath, Brendan Philbin, or retired schoolteacher Micheal O Seighin, if he met them back home on the road. “Now I think we will all be driving in the opposite direction!” read more

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Released men insist Minister must join talks

Irish Times: Released men insist Minister must join talks

“The five Mayo men who spent 94 days in prison over their opposition to the Corrib gas onshore pipeline have insisted that the Government must participate in mediation talks.”: ”Earlier on Saturday, the five were applauded by several thousand people at a rally in Dublin. In a joint statement, they thanked families, friends, Irish citizens and the incoming Norwegian government for its “respect” and “support”.

Monday 3 October 2005

Lorna Siggins, Marine Correspondent and Tom Shiel

Oct 03, 2005

The five Mayo men who spent 94 days in prison over their opposition to the Corrib gas onshore pipeline have insisted that the Government must participate in mediation talks.

Minister for the Marine Noel Dempsey intends to seek an agreed nominee over the coming week to chair the discussions between Shell E&P Ireland and the five men and their community, but the group believes the Minister should be represented.

“The State cannot remain neutral in this,” the five men – Micheal O Seighin, Vincent and Philip McGrath, Brendan Philbin and Willie Corduff, told The Irish Times at the weekend. They also confirmed that they would not be participating in a safety review, which the Minister has commissioned, due to its restricted terms of reference. read more

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Freed Irish protesters face down oil giant

Socialist Worker Online: Freed Irish protesters face down oil giant

“Micheal O Seighin, Willie Corduff, Phillip McGrath, Vincent McGrath and Brendan Philbin were jailed on 29 June for standing up to the oil multinational Shell.”: “In 1995 nine activists, including Ken Saro-Wiwa, were hanged by the Nigerian government for daring to criticise the operations of Shell in Nigeria”

Tuesday 4 October 2005

by Sinead Hughes

Over 2,000 people took to the streets of the Irish capital, Dublin, last Saturday to celebrate the release of five Rossport men who had been jailed for 94 days because their government has become a mouthpiece for the oil and gas companies.

Micheal O Seighin, Willie Corduff, Phillip McGrath, Vincent McGrath and Brendan Philbin were jailed on 29 June for standing up to the oil multinational Shell.

The men have vowed to continue their fight until Shell abandons its plans to lay the pipeline. Willie Corduff said, “We will do anything to save our land and our livelihoods. We are desperate and we are weary but we won’t give up.” read more

This website and sisters royaldutchshellplc.com, shellnazihistory.com, royaldutchshell.website, johndonovan.website, and shellnews.net, are owned by John Donovan. There is also a Wikipedia segment.

Irish Times: Dempsey calls for end to Corrib dispute

Irish Times: Dempsey calls for end to Corrib dispute

“It is understood that legal teams for Shell and the five men were in contact last night with a view to a court hearing today which may result in the injunction being dropped.”

Friday September 30, 2005

Lorna Siggins, Marine Correspondent

Minister for the Marine Noel Dempsey has called on both sides involved in the Corrib gas controversy to “create the conditions” for a resolution, as a prelude to a possible breakthrough in the impasse.

In a statement issued last night, the Minister said he had been in contact with both Shell E&P Ireland and representatives of the five imprisoned Mayo men, following this week’s discussions at a joint Oireachtas committee and in the Dail chamber on the issue. read more

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Shell set to dismantle pipeline section next week, says Dempsey

Irish Times: Shell set to dismantle pipeline section next week, says Dempsey

“The Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources, Noel Dempsey, has said that Shell E&P is expected to begin work next week on dismantling part of the controversial Corrib gas pipeline that was welded together without proper consent.”: “All development work has ceased on the onshore pipeline due to the ongoing controversy, which has seen five men spend more than 90 days in jail for refusing to purge their contempt of court over a refusal to comply with a High Court injunction obtained by Shell.”

Posted Thursday 29 September 2005

Liam Reid, Political Reporter

Oireachtas committee: The Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources, Noel Dempsey, has said that Shell E&P is expected to begin work next week on dismantling part of the controversial Corrib gas pipeline that was welded together without proper consent.

In a three-hour hearing before the Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Mr Dempsey also criticised the Shell to Sea campaign against the pipeline, claiming that its main aim was not the safety of people living beside the pipeline, but a general opposition to the exploitation of offshore gas fields by private companies. read more

This website and sisters royaldutchshellplc.com, shellnazihistory.com, royaldutchshell.website, johndonovan.website, and shellnews.net, are owned by John Donovan. There is also a Wikipedia segment.

Govt rules out mediator in Shell dispute

Ireland Online: Govt rules out mediator in Shell dispute

“Natural Resources Minister Noel Dempsey today faced a three-hour grilling on the issue…”: “Mr Dempsey also rejected claims that former ministers with responsibility for natural resources had any improper influence on awarding exploration contracts to oil giants like Shell.”

Tuesday 27/09/2005

The Government tonight ruled out hiring a mediator to break the deadlock in the Rossport Five dispute with Shell over an inshore gas pipeline.

The Co Mayo landowners were jailed in Cloverhill Prison in late June for ignoring a High Court order to stop blocking construction on the Corrib Gas Development Project.

Natural Resources Minister Noel Dempsey today faced a three-hour grilling on the issue before an often angry all-party Oireachtas Committee.

But Mr Dempsey ruled out a suggestion by Fine Gael TD Bernard Durkan to appoint a mediator to broker agreement between the Rossport Five and Shell executives. read more

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Shell farcical No. 2 ranking in 2005 Accountability Rating in FORTUNE magazine

Royal Dutch Shell farcical No. 2 ranking in the 2005 “Accountability Rating” published in FORTUNE magazine

Tuesday 27 September 2005 08.15am ET

By Alfred and John Donovan

27 Sept 2005

How much faith can investors/stakeholders have in a rating methodology capable of conjuring up a ranking which has no relationship to reality?

Royal Dutch/Shell Group is No. 2 in the rankings of the 2005 “Accountability Rating” announced on 22nd September in Fortune magazine. This is a rating on corporate responsibility of the prestigious FORTUNE Global 100 companies. The Accountability Rating is apparently not a measure of how good or bad a company is, but supposedly how smart. It follows that by removing or diminishing the ethical dimension in a corporate rating assessment, a bad company can be made to look good. read more

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No resolution to Shell dispute

Irish Emigrant Online (Ireland): No resolution to Shell dispute

“Earlier in the week it was reported that Shell has yet to comply with July’s ministerial order to dismantle a section of the Corrib Gas pipeline which had been welded together without the proper Government consent.”

Monday 26 September 2005

The Rossport Five remain in Cloverhill Prison while the war of words continues between the Shell Oil company and their supporters.

Opponents of the gas processing station in northwest Mayo took their battle to Norway, the home of Statoil which has a 37% stake in the Corrib gas field. During their visit independent TD Dr Jerry Cowley and relatives of the Rossport Five were told by Statoil’s senior vice-president, Helge Hatlestad, “Statoil would never embark on such a project without taking sufficient safety considerations. We are fully confident in the safety of the pipeline and the project”. A local Labour MP, however, said, “We cannot have such a big company having an argument with our friends in Ireland”. Tore Nordton also said that in Norway such conflicts were avoided through close consultation with the local community and by dealing with safety issues before the planning stage. On his return to Dublin Dr Cowley described the visit as a great success as it had received widespread coverage in the Norwegian media. read more

This website and sisters royaldutchshellplc.com, shellnazihistory.com, royaldutchshell.website, johndonovan.website, and shellnews.net, are owned by John Donovan. There is also a Wikipedia segment.

10,000 to march in support of jailed pipeline protesters

FROM OUR SHELL NEWS ARCHIVE SEPT 2005

Daily Telegraph: 10,000 to march in support of jailed pipeline protesters

“Anger is mounting over the jailing of five landowners who have been in prison for nearly 100 days for objecting to Shell building a pipeline through one of the last European -wildernesses.”: “The case of the Rossport Five, a group of small-time farmers from Co Mayo, has become an international cause célèbre and resulted in widespread criticism of the oil company and the Irish government.”

Monday 26 September 2005

By Tom Peterkin, Ireland Correspondent

(Filed: 26/09/2005)

Anger is mounting over the jailing of five landowners who have been in prison for nearly 100 days for objecting to Shell building a pipeline through one of the last European -wildernesses.

The case of the Rossport Five, a group of small-time farmers from Co Mayo, has become an international cause célèbre and resulted in widespread criticism of the oil company and the Irish government.

This week, 10,000 people will arrive in Dublin for a rally in support of the men while the issue is set to dominate the Irish parliament when it returns from its summer break on Wednesday. read more

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Irish farmers’ arrest instigates protesting

Daily Herald (Utah): Irish farmers’ arrest instigates protesting

Sunday 25 September 2005

ROSSPORT, Ireland — Five farmers from these wind-swept coastal boglands have been locked up in a Dublin prison for nearly three months for blocking construction of a $1.1 billion natural gas pipeline and refinery by the Shell oil group, a standoff that has forced suspension of the largest energy project in Irish history.

The imprisonment of the group known here as the Rossport Five, which includes a 65-year-old former schoolteacher, has sparked protest marches across Ireland and an emotional debate about the pace and balance of economic development in a once-poor county that has become one of Europe’s greatest success stories. read more

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Shell disappointed at mediation rejection

Mayo News Online: Shell disappointed at mediation rejection

“SHELL E&P Ireland have promised to continue to seek means of opening dialogue with the Rossport Five in light of the refusal by the five men to accept an offer of mediation from the company”

Posted Thursday 22 Sept 2005

Report by Padraic Burns

SHELL E&P Ireland have promised to continue to seek means of opening dialogue with the Rossport Five in light of the refusal by the five men to accept an offer of mediation from the company. The men, who are now 83 days in Cloverhill Prison, Dublin, last week turned down an offer by Shell to meet the men through their legal representatives.

Andy Pyle, SEPIL Managing Director, said that professional mediation offered a real opportunity for both parties to try to resolve the impasse. “Given the current deadlock, we believed that mediation could have greatly assisted both parties,” said Mr Pyle. read more

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Hundreds attend Rossport Five meeting

Galway Independent: Hundreds attend Rossport Five meeting

Thursday 22 Sept 2005

Over 300 people attended a public meeting of the Shell to Sea Campaign in Salthill on Monday night.

Bríd Ní Sheighin, daughter of Micheál O Seighin, one of the Rossport 5, at a public meeting organised by the Shell to Sea campaign in the Sacre Coeur Hotel on Monday.

The group has so far collected 16,000 signatures alone in Galway alone supporting the men’s cause. It has planned a major rally to take place in Dublin on 1 October and has called on all supporters to march from the Garden of Remembrance to the Dáil. read more

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Irish Times: Corrib campaigners leave for Norway

Irish Times: Corrib campaigners leave for Norway

“Supporters of the five Mayo men still imprisoned because of their opposition to the Corrib gas onshore pipeline leave for Norway today to visit members of the new Labour government and representatives of Statoil.”: “The men, nearing their 12th week in prison, agreed to a mediation offer by Shell last week.”

Monday Sept 19, 2005

Lorna Siggins, Marine Correspondent

Supporters of the five Mayo men still imprisoned because of their opposition to the Corrib gas onshore pipeline leave for Norway today to visit members of the new Labour government and representatives of Statoil.

Statoil, which is 71 per cent Norwegian state-owned, holds a 38 per cent share in the Corrib gas field, along with partners Shell and Marathon. The delegation, led by Mayo TD Dr Jerry Cowley (Ind), intends to highlight Norway’s role in the impasse. read more

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Irish Times: Shell denies fears over loss of consents

FROM OUR SHELL NEWS ARCHIVE: ON THIS DAY IN 2005

Irish Times: Shell denies fears over loss of consents

“It is 80 days since five sincere men of principle were jailed by Shell. Talks, not imprisonments, will resolve this impasse that has exposed the unhealthy state of our democracy.”

Posted Sunday 18 Sept 2005

Lorna Siggins, Marine Correspondent

Shell E&P Ireland has denied fears of losing ministerial consents for the 900 million gas project if it lifts the injunction against five Mayo men in prison over opposition to the onshore gas pipeline.

However, the company has issued a plea to the men in prison to “consider their position”, following its first formal offer to them this week of mediation without any preconditions.

The men have agreed to formal mediation, but their solicitor, Padraic Ferry, said yesterday this could only take place if the injunction was lifted, as otherwise the men would be under duress. read more

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‘Rossport Five’ supporters call for national rally

FROM OUR SEPT 2005 SHELL NEWS ARCHIVE

Ireland On-Line: ‘Rossport Five’ supporters call for national rally

“Supporters of the so-called Rossport Five, who were jailed 11 weeks ago over their protests against a controversial gas pipeline, are today calling for public support for a national rally demanding their release.”

Thursday 15 Sept 2005

Supporters of the so-called Rossport Five, who were jailed 11 weeks ago over their protests against a controversial gas pipeline, are today calling for public support for a national rally demanding their release.

The Shell to Sea campaign, which opposes the construction of the gas pipeline in Co Mayo by oil giant Shell, is launching the rally outside the company’s offices in Dublin.

The national demonstration and march to Leinster House will take place on October 1, and families and supporters are urging trade unions, community groups and political parties to join the rally. read more

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Murray walks out in Rossport protest

The Mayo News Online: Murray walks out in Rossport protest

“A proposal by the Charlestown-based councillor that Mayo County Council call on Shell to lift its injunction on the five Rossport men currently incarcerated at Cloverhill was deemed out of order as it was not on the agenda.”

Posted Thursday 15 Sept 2005

Report by Stephen O’Grady

SINN Féin councillor Gerry Murray withdrew from the chamber of Mayo County Council on Monday evening when party whips Paddy McGuinness and Pat McHugh declined his request to suspend standing orders to debate a motion he wished to table.

A proposal by the Charlestown-based councillor that Mayo County Council call on Shell to lift its injunction on the five Rossport men currently incarcerated at Cloverhill was deemed out of order as it was not on the agenda. read more

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Erris water in danger due to Corrib gas project 4

Western People: Erris water in danger due to Corrib gas project 4

Posted 15 Sept 2005

Mayo County Council has this week confirmed that Erris’ water supply is in danger due to untreated water on the Corrib gas development sites.

But protestors at Shell E&P Ireland’s compounds in Ballinaboy are still refusing to allow company and County Council personnel access to the sites. They want the matter to be dealt with by the Project Monitoring Committee.

Mayo Co Council wrote to SEPIL last Thursday, September 8 highlighting the danger to local waterways if environmental works are not carried out on ponds holding water containing tiny particles in suspension at the Bellenaboy gas terminal development site. read more

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Shell executive apologises to Dr Jerry Cowley

Western People (Ireland): Shell executive apologises to Dr Jerry Cowley

Posted Thursday 15 Sept 2005

A senior member of SEPIL management was forced to apologise to Mayo TD Dr Jerry Cowley last week. During an interview with Liamy McNally on Mid West radio last Thursday, Mark Carrigy, Operations Manager, Corrib Gas Project, was critical of Dr Jerry Cowley’s proposed visit to Norway.

Mr Carrigy labelled the Deputy’s travel plans as a junket and said Dr Cowley should not travel to Norway.

Dr Cowley went on air soon thereafter and asked Mr Carrigy to apologise for his comments. The TD told the Western People: “A junket implies that you are going off at someone else’s expense and having a high time for yourself.” read more

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Irish Times: Call for Corrib gas hearing to end impasse

Irish Times: Call for Corrib gas hearing to end impasse

“The north Mayo men opposed to the pipeline are now spending their 11th week in prison and are due back in court on October 4th. Shell has rejected recent appeals…to lift its injunction secured against the objecting landowners.”

Monday 12 Sept 2005

Lorna Siggins, Marine Correspondent

Sep 12, 2005

The Green Party has called for a full oral hearing into the Corrib onshore gas pipeline in an attempt to break the impasse over the imprisonment of five Mayo residents.

The north Mayo men opposed to the pipeline are now spending their 11th week in prison and are due back in court on October 4th.

Shell has rejected recent appeals by both Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny and Labour Party leader Pat Rabbitte to lift its injunction secured against the objecting landowners. read more

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Irish Independent: Pipeline pressure

Irish Independent: Pipeline pressure

“It says a lot about the way Ireland is being run when people’s safety is disregarded in favour of a multinational corporation’s interests and people are jailed by the State for voicing those concerns.”

Monday Sep 12, 2005

Sir – Well done to David McKittick for highlighting the issues involved in the dispute between Shell and the Rossport Five (Features). If the claims are true about the possible pressures in the pipeline, then in my opinion the men are justified in their safety concerns. Shell state that the pipe pressure may never reach 345 bar, but even a quarter of that is a very high pressure. To put it into context, a car tyre would only go to about 20 bar. You can imagine what sort of a bang you would get if a pipe joint failed at say 100 bar. Add to that the fact that you are dealing with a flammable gas and anyone can see the dangers. Would you like this in your back garden? Would this have been brought ashore off the coast of Dublin, through Blackrock for example? I think not. Why was it even given planning permission? read more

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Irish Times: FF chair of committee denies he is avoiding Shell issue

Irish Times: FF chair of committee denies he is avoiding Shell issue

“Meanwhile, a senior Shell executive has apologised for describing the proposed trip to Norway by Dr Jerry Cowley (Ind) as “a junket”. Corrib gas project manager Mark Carrigy said he regretted using the term in an interview on Mid West Radio.”

Lorna Siggins, Marine Correspondent

Sep 10, 2005

Fianna Fail’s Noel O’Flynn, chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, rejected a Labour Party claim that he is avoiding convening a meeting on the Shell Corrib gas issue.

Mr O’Flynn was responding yesterday to criticism of him by one of the Oireachtas committee members, Labour TD Tommy Broughan, who has accused him of “running away” from the issue.

Relatives of the five imprisoned north Mayo men and the Shell to Sea campaign are to travel to Norway next week with Mayo TD Jerry Cowley. The group plans to raise Statoil’s role in the row, given that the company is a shareholder of Shell and Marathon in the gas field. read more

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Symbolic oil blockade in support of Rossport prisoners

Irish Independent: Symbolic oil blockade in support of Rossport prisoners

“The five Co Mayo men have been imprisoned for over 70 days due to their objection to work being carried out by Shell, without the necessary ministerial consent, in the village of Rossport in the north of the county.”

Saturday Sept 10, 2005

A SYMBOLIC blockade of the Statoil Depot in Dublin’s East Wall is being staged this morning, in support of the Rossport Five.

Campaign group Dublin Shell to Sea has called for the public’s help in its protest against Statoil’s links to Shell E&P (Ireland) Ltd and Marathon International Petroleum Hibernia Ltd over the controversial Corrib gas pipeline.

The five Co Mayo men have been imprisoned for over 70 days due to their objection to work being carried out by Shell, without the necessary ministerial consent, in the village of Rossport in the north of the county. read more

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Question mark over legal status of Royal Dutch Shell Business Principles

FROM OUR AUGUST 2005 SHELL NEWS ARCHIVE

Question mark over legal status of Royal Dutch Shell Statement of General Business Principles

“The development may also be of interest to the Rossport Five jailed in Ireland at Shell’s behest after making a stand on environmental grounds.”

Friday 9 September 2005: 10.00am ET

By John Donovan

Comments in an important judicial handbook recently published as part of the United Nations Environment Programme, imply that contrary to previous understanding, voluntary Codes of Conduct implemented by multinational corporations may be subject to rights of legal redress. As a result, it appears that legal remedies for corporate misdeeds may have now reached the doorstep of Shell in relation to its Statement of General Business Principles (SGBP) which solemnly pledge honesty, integrity and transparency in all of Shell’s dealings. The SGBP is specifically cited in the relevant comments. read more

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Distraught Ballinaboy residents issue heartfelt appeal to Shell

Western People: Distraught Ballinaboy residents issue heartfelt appeal to Shell

“We are upset and dismayed that there are five Erris men in Clover Hill prison because of the Corrib gas project.”

Posted Thursday 8 Sept 2005

SIR – Over the past number of weeks your paper has been covering the Shell Rossport five story and now I believe is the appropriate time to put the feelings and views of the Ballinaboy/Leenamore residents on paper.

We are upset and dismayed that there are five Erris men in Clover Hill prison because of the Corrib gas project. Those men and their families felt this was the only option left to them because no one in authority or within Shell were taking their concerns seriously sadly their words were falling on deaf ears. The Ballinaboy/Leenamore residents respect the decision taken by those five men. What’s upsetting us most is that we know if the support that is here now was there for us when we were going through the planning process and the oral hearings we would not have this sad situation in the heart of our community today. read more

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Irish Times: High Court appearance for Rossport Five

Irish Times: High Court appearance for Rossport Five

“The five Co Mayo men, who have been in prison for 71 days for contempt of court relating to the Shell Corrib gas pipeline…”

Thursday Sept 08, 2005

Ray Managh

The five Co Mayo men, who have been in prison for 71 days for contempt of court relating to the Shell Corrib gas pipeline, made a brief appearance in the High Court yesterday.

Although nothing of legal significance took place in court yesterday, the men were permitted to meet with family members and friends in the time between the two-minute hearing and their return to jail.

During their two-hour stay in the courts complex, the five men mixed with relatives in the Round Hall of the Four Courts before being taken back to their cells in a prison bus to Cloverhill Prison. read more

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Irish Independent: Rossport Five’s family reunion in court

Irish Independent: Rossport Five’s family reunion in court

“THE five Co Mayo men, who have been in prison for 71 days for contempt of court relating to the Shell Corrib gas pipeline, made a brief appearance in the High Court yesterday.”

Thursday Sept 08, 2005

THE five Co Mayo men, who have been in prison for 71 days for contempt of court relating to the Shell Corrib gas pipeline, made a brief appearance in the High Court yesterday.

As they waited for Ms Justice Mary Laffoy, they talked and joked with relatives and friends and some were shown photo albums of recent family occasions. Later, prison officers allowed them to mix with family and friends while they waited for transport back to prison. Their legal team led by John Rogers, SC, had planned to make an application for discovery of documentation in preparation for a full hearing but the matter was adjourned until October 4. read more

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Independent: Ballad of the Rossport five

FROM OUR AUGUST 2005 SHELL NEWS ARCHIVE

Independent: Ballad of the Rossport five

The men held in Ireland’s Cloverhill prison now have not only their own title – the Rossport Five – but their own ballad as well, which lauds their gallantry and decries the energy giant Shell as an “ignoble predator”.

“The campaign received a boost in recent months when it was revealed that consultants brought in by the government were not independent, as had been claimed, and in fact had connections with Shell.”

Wednesday 7 Sept 2005

It is David versus Goliath as residents of Mayo try to halt Shell’s efforts to bring Ireland’s gas ashore. They say the oil giant’s plans are unsafe – and five protesters are now in jail.

David McKittrick reports

“Come all ye who love liberty, and listen to my tale, read more

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Irish Times: TD accuses Taoiseach over Shell gas dispute

Irish Times: TD accuses Taoiseach over Shell gas dispute

“Mayo TD Dr Jerry Cowley (Ind) has accused Taoiseach Bertie Ahern of “missing the point” over the continued imprisonment of the five Mayo men opposed to the Corrib gas onshore pipeline.”

Tuesday 6 Sept 2005

Lorna Siggins, Marine Correspondent

Sep 06, 2005

Mayo TD Dr Jerry Cowley (Ind) has accused Taoiseach Bertie Ahern of “missing the point” over the continued imprisonment of the five Mayo men opposed to the Corrib gas onshore pipeline.

Dr Cowley, who is one of a delegation of Independent TDs meeting the Norwegian ambassador to Ireland today over the issue, said he was disappointed at remarks made by the Taoiseach in Ennis, Co Clare, at the weekend.

Speaking in Ennis, Mr Ahern told reporters that the five men had made their point “many weeks ago”, and “for their families’ sake they are not actually making any further point by staying in jail”. read more

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Irish Times: Jailed protesters made their point, says Taoiseach

FROM OUR AUGUST 2005 SHELL NEWS ARCHIVE

Irish Times: Jailed protesters made their point, says Taoiseach

“…Bertie Ahern has said the five Mayo men imprisoned for contempt of court in connection with their opposition to the proposed Corrib gas pipeline have made their point and it is beyond him why they wish to remain in jail.”

Monday 5 Sept 2005

Gordon Deegan

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has said the five Mayo men imprisoned for contempt of court in connection with their opposition to the proposed Corrib gas pipeline have made their point and it is beyond him why they wish to remain in jail.

The men are today in their 69th day in Cloverhill Prison in Dublin.

Speaking in Ennis on Saturday, Mr Ahern said unfortunately he had no power to release them from jail.

“The law would be the same for me if I was in contempt of court, I’d suffer the same fate and that’s how it is,” he added. read more

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Shell rejects bid to free gas protesters

Irish Independent: Shell rejects bid to free gas protesters

A spokesperson for the jailed men, Mark Garavan, said that Shell’s response to the initiative was unsurprising. “They [Shell] are in a mess of their own making now. By seeking the injunction in the first place they have precipitated this crisis and Shell are unable to get out of it because they are so legally exposed.”

Saturday Sep 03, 2005

SHELL has rejected a proposed legal compromise which could have led to the release of five jailed Mayo men who have opposed the controversial Corrib Gas line.

The compromise had been mooted by Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny following a meeting with the men this week in Cloverhill Prison.

However, the energy company said yesterday it could not waive its injunction against the five objectors because it was needed to prevent any future obstruction of its operations.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern also yesterday ruled out Government intervention in the case. Speaking in North Tipperary during a constituency tour, Mr Ahern made it clear that the only way to secure the men’s release was for them to purge their contempt. read more

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