Solidarity in Action, Cork with Mayo versus Shell

cork | environment | news report Thursday June 16, 2005 16:22 by Rob Black - Cork Harbour Action Group

Blockade and info sharing at Shell depot and service station

On Monday morning seventeen members and supporters of the Cork Harbour Action Group (C.H.A.G) blockaded Shell’s Monaghans Rd distribution depot in Cork City.

This action succesfully prevented Shell delivery tankers from entering or leaving the premises for approximately one hour.
The action had begun earlier that morning at a Shell garage in the immediate vicinity of the depot where a loud and colourful presence was maintained on the forecourt while information was distributed to drivers and customers of the Shell shop. While attempts were made to contact the manager of the garage to explain the action there was unfortunately no-one available at that time.
The action then moved to the depot where after fruitless attempts were made to contact persons from Shell with whom we could negotiate the decision was taken to blockade.
For over four years the people of Erris, Mayo have been fighting a battle to prevent Shell from running a hazardous overland pipeline through their community. Not only does the pipeline that Shell are attempting to force through present a serious explosion risk but will also create severe environmental damage. Waste from the refinery that will be located at the end of the pipeline will be pumped into Broadhaven Bay. This waste will comprise lead, arsenic, and the radioactive gas radon. This toxic waste will remain within the bay area rather than being washed out to sea. Under E.U regulations Broadhaven Bay has been designated a special area of conservation. The bay also provides livelihoods for local communities in a region of high unemployment through fishing. The activities of Shell will devastate this industry. Shell have been accused by locals of taking a heavy handed, bullying approach and currently there is an injunction against seven local farmers preventing them from obstructing Shell from entering there lands.
In the Cork harbour area Indaver are attempting to build a hazardous waste incinerator against the wishes of the vast majority of the members of the local community and the wider Cork area.
It was in response to an understanding that these issues of environmental destruction and the potential serious health hazard posed by the two proposed projects are of concern to us all that C.H.A.G decided to act in solidarity with the people of Mayo. C.H.A.G believe that our greatest strength lies in acting in solidarity with others and will continue to act in accordance with this understanding.
In just over three weeks the G8 leaders will meet in Gleneagles, Scotland this is an opportunity for all of us to display our solidarity with the exploited and oppressed peoples of the world and C.H.A.G call on all those who can do so to travel to Scotland for the demonstrations and for those who cannot travel to organise local solidarity actions in their own communities.
For further info about either of these campaigns contact: Rob 0860536647/Tracey 0876543425
Next C.H.A.G meeting Fri 8pm C.A.Z – 61 Barrack st, Cork.