Erris Rally of Solidarity with 'the Chief' Pat O'Donnell.

by Niall Sun Feb 28, 2010 23:15

.

Mary O'Donnell addresses the crowd.

Eoin O'Leidhin with a message from Pat.

Daddy's girl, Aisling.

Mary O'Donnell.

Community Support.

by Niall Sun Feb 28, 2010 23:32

All photos 'Copyleft'.

by Marc S Sun Feb 28, 2010 23:36

Congrats to all on a great action, beautiful photoes. Clearly a lot of people are behind Pat O'Donnell. If only the Irish public could see this crowd on their mass media. Love and solidarity to the community and the Chief.

by Shell to Sea Sun Feb 28, 2010 23:59

Thanks to the 'Irish Skipper' for giving space for a stall and video projection at the trade show for fisherman at the Galway Bay Hotel, Salthill on Fri 26th and Sat 27th .

Hundreds of fisherman stopped at the stall to watch a short video of Pat and son Jonathan being arrested from sea, and their boats detained, as they protected their fishing gear from the Shell pipelaying ship, the Solitaire.

Galway & Gort Shell to Sea run a stall at the 'Skipper Expo 2010'.

by Your sisters in the States Mon Mar 01, 2010 06:34

It's heartening for your family here in the States to see those beautiful photos and the obvious support of your community. We are very proud of you!

by observer Mon Mar 01, 2010 12:04

I am struck by the photograph where the photographer took the crowd from behind it. Peaceful, relaxed,calm, babes in arms ... that is a people we all know. Look at the orderly lines of well parked cars and a boat on the distant harbour. For those who wish to denigrate the protest in Erris, why are you not there on such days, writing accounts of such days, taking media photos of such fine colourful banners. Come to the ceili outside Castlerea Prison on 13 March. Let us see you there - let the country know you are there. Show Ireland as its best and not always at its worst. Stop taking the shilling! And/ or the patronage bestowed on you by the State-Shell contract.

by Real Erris Fisherman. Mon Mar 01, 2010 12:26

The Erris fishermen were not at the gathering because we don’t agree with Pat O’Donnell’s methods.
We as a united group have reached a satisfactory agreement with Shell in relation to the development and are content to see the project proceed.
The (EIFA) issued a press release last week commenting on Pats detention, but wont second guess the judicial decision which has seen him imprisoned.

“ Mr Eddie Diver, the Chairman of the Erris Inshore Fishermen’s Association (EIFA) stressed to The Mayo News that his group was not commenting on the judicial process but rather the particular circumstances caused by the protracted Corrib controversy that had led to Mr O’Donnell’s incarceration. “

http://www.mayonews.ie/index.php?option=com_content&vie...id=46

by manannan mac lir Mon Mar 01, 2010 12:57

"The only obligation which I have a right to assume is to do at any time what I think is right,"

"Law never made a man a whit more just; and by means of their respect for it ,even the well disposed are daily made the agents of injustice".

"All men recognise the right of revolution;that is, the right to refuse allegiance to and to resist, the government, when its tyranny or its inefficiency are great and unendurable".

(:Quotations:" Civil Disobedience" by Thoreau)

by Real Fish Shop Owner - Seller of fresh fish Mon Mar 01, 2010 16:02

Our Daughter brought to my attention to what has been written about the dangers of mercury and other toxic metals that will end up in fish that we sell to our friends and loyal customers, who like the benefit of fresh fish, http://www.edf.org/page.cfm?tagID=17694 and here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/minimate_Disease
So therefore we will be content not to proceed to buy ERRIS FISH for our family run business as of TODAY and will spread the word of what the Erris fishermen are up to letting a outflow pipe to flow toxic waste into the sea. They have no right to let the sea be poisoned by pollution that will be flowing though those pipes. We feel sorry for the fisherman that said no to this out flow pipe. It makes my stomach turn just thinking that some day soon they will be destroying one of the best fishing grounds in Ireland. The strong currents of the west coast will put other fishing communities in danger as well. I guess I said my peace.

by Shell to Sea Mon Mar 01, 2010 16:38

--- Message of solidarity sent to jailed fisherman ---

A motorised convoy of 99 cars took part in a rally yesterday in support of Pat O'Donnell. The rally went from Mr O'Donnell's homeplace at Porturlin, traveled through much of Erris, and finished at Ballyglass Pier fishing port. Mr O'Donnell was sent to Castlerea prison recently for seven months for his opposition to Shell and protecting his community.

Mary O'Donnell, Pat O'Donnell's wife, read out a message to the crowd from Mr O'Donnell that people should not be intimidated by his jailing, and he asked the community to be vigilant against Shell's proposed damaging survey work this summer [1].

The rally was also addressed at Ballyglass Pier by Eoin Ó Leidhin, who was in Castlerea for three days last week, as well as by Maura Harrington and Willie Corduff. The speeches sent a message of solidarity to Mr O'Donnell, and stressed that the campaign needs to remain strong and unified in his absence.

Shell to Sea spokesperson Terence Conway said: “This rally shows that the people of Erris are with Pat O'Donnell during his unjust imprisonment. We will continue to fight the imposition of this project by Shell and the government.”

He continued: “Pat has been jailed because his opposition has been steadfast and powerful, and because Shell want to go about their destructive survey work easily this summer – the community will strongly oppose this because of Shell's long record of contempt for the environment and the people here.”

by Real Erris Fisherman Mon Mar 01, 2010 19:51

If the fish shop owner above actually knew anything about fishing in Erris he would be aware that the fish caught off Erris are all exported to France, Spain and Italy.
So unless he is based in one of those countries his boycott will have no effect on the Erris fishing community.
It should also be noted that the EIFA has a legally binding contract with Shell which guarantee that the discharge will have negligible effect on the marine environment.
The fishermen of Erris are not a bunch of idiots; they have done their homework and secured a fair deal with Shell which will safeguard the marine environment and reasonably compensate them for inconvenience incurred due to the project!

by Observer Mon Mar 01, 2010 23:12

I've learnt a small bit about the history of Irish fishing since my involvement in this campaign and I was struck by the similarity between the give away of our oil and gas resources in the last 15 or so years and the giveaway of our fish reserves since the early 70s. In both cases government ministers colluded in the giveaway, in both cases the navy was and is used to facilitate the giveaway and in both cases the majority of the Irish people remain complacent or oblivious. There is a progression here.
I wonder what you make of this?
Pat it seems, has chosen to make a stand against the oil and gas giveaway, perhaps making the connection between the earlier fish giveaway. He has taken a hard road but one that inspires and uplifts people and offers an alternative to accepting the poisoned chalices we are offered.
Yourselves on the other hand appear to be choosing to make the best of a bad situation. Fair enough, some might say, but make no mistake, your actions will do nothing to change the situation where those things most precious to us are being taken away bit by bit or to protect or preserve your own way of life. Ye have made your choices, remember, you can always change them.

by Maura Harrington - S2S; Davitt League Tue Mar 02, 2010 12:13

There is NO 'legally binding' contract between Shell and EIFA, just a mutually agreed fudge to create a figleaf for the transfer of money for favours granted.
Shell has an EPA licence to dump produced water into Broadhaven Bay. EIFA went along with Shell's nonsense that this produced water would not be dumped in the bay but would be stored on the refinery site to be then tankered off somewhere. This would mean that Shell has to re-apply to the EPA for a new licence which they have yet to do but I believe Shell is talking to EIFA about it - good for a few more shekels this year with a modicum added perhaps because The Chief is locked up.
So, if EIFA has a 'legally binding contract', Shell doesn't have an EPA licence; if Shell holds on to its current EPA licence, EIFA doesn't have a contract, only a payout.
The REAL Erris fisherman is The Chief who's in jail for seven months because he dared to exercise his legal right to fish, he dared to protect the future of fishing in Erris and he dared to oppose the giveaway of our natural resources.

by Fish Eater Tue Mar 02, 2010 12:46

Bit of a no-brainer argument this. However, just to get my ten cents in - I live in Galway and have seen in several fish shops mackerel, pollock and crab from Erris advertised and sold there. (anyway, are Europeans going to buy it then?) It's also sold in the saturday market there. Is this fish bought back from Italy "Real Erris Fisherman?" Then again, I suppose we are going to be buying back our oil and gas from Norway, so clearly you're reading off the same page as the govt, Shell and all those who took their shiny pennies. I will certainly not be buying fish from polluted waters - any moron who took money for the inconvenience of not being able to fish for a few years will soon realise their folly when they're not getting any money from their glow in the dark fish. Alas, it'll be too late then and those nice boys at Shell won't even acknowledge your sorry society.

by Vested intrest Tue Mar 02, 2010 17:15

I have attached below a correspondence I received from Dr Alex David Rogers, the same Marine Biologist Pat O’Donnell claims informed him that "people will die" if the refinery goes ahead.
I have removed my name from the email, as I don’t want to get into a protracted debate on this issue, but suffice to say one should be very cautious about statements they attribute to others.
His contact details are included in the text if anyone wishes to get further clarification directly from him.

Re: Corrib Gas Pollution‏
From: Alex D. Rogers ([email protected])
Sent: 02 March 2010 07:07:41
To: concerned future ([email protected])

Dear xxxxxxxx,

I think it would be a good idea to look at the original report I did for Pat. I think you will find that the concerns raised in it are stated quite clearly. The main area of concern was mercury contamination as far as I remember. This is potentially serious but I believe that these concerns were addressed through monitoring of shellfish around the discharge pipe from Corrib in more recent documents by the production company. It is up to them and the Irish government to make sure this is done in an open manner. Two things must be kept in mind here. One is that mercury levels in the corrib gas were uncertain and likely to rise during production. Secondly, levels of mercury naturally occur in marine life, accumulating in predators such as tuna.

Any refusal to take shellfish from the area prior to evidence of contamination would be ridiculous. Nobody is going to die from eating Mayo seafood products. Even if mercury levels did become elevated in the area monitoring will pick this up and current food standards for mercury would determine whether or not this was at a level to threaten humans. It is unfortunate that my original report is being interpreted in this way. There is a risk but with adequate clean up of effluent on site and monitoring of the discharge through sampling the effluent and metal accumulation of animals the situation should be controlled. Unfortunately these issues were not adequately dealt with in the original EIA.

Alex Rogers

Dr Alex David Rogers,
Marine Biologist,
Institute of Zoology,
Regent's Park,
London,
NW1 4RY

On 1 Mar 2010, at 23:22, "concerned future" wrote:

Dear Mr Rogers,

I am writing to you out of desperation, and worry about my business and the future of the fishing community here in Co Mayo Ireland.

As you may be aware, there is a controversial gas project underway here at present and there is major concern about its impact on the marine environment and the saleability of our fish products.

I am contacting you because you are the scientist who is reported to have categorically stated that this refinery will have devastating effects on the safety and edibility of our seafood.

We have already had some of our clients and sales agents inform us that once the discharge from the refinery begins they will no longer be willing to have any association with our seafood products.

Although there have been several inquiries into the potential effects of the discharge, you are unique in predicting people will die from the effects of the emissions.

There is a fear that if the markets shun our products based on your scientific opinion it will decimate the fishing and tourism industry locally leading to major job losses in both sectors.

It is repeatedly publicised that you informed a Mr Patrick O’Donnell that if the project goes ahead and begins emitting “a cocktail of chemicals into the sea, people will die” and he and his family would be well advised to leave the area.

Mr O’Donnell can be heard repeating your alleged advice in this documentary which has already won awards here in Ireland and been seen by many throughout the country and beyond.

If you go seven minutes into the programme you will hear Mr O’Donnell state your opinion to the interviewer http://www.vimeo.com/8668733

Do you sincerely believe that this project will poison this area so badly that our seafood will be dangerous to consume and local residents would be advised to move to another location?

Regards xxxxxxxxxx....

by lulu Tue Mar 02, 2010 17:19

To do so would strain the naiveté and denial of the majority of people who have the facts on $Hell's environmental, accounting, and human rights record. As Pat says, this heritage of clean fishing grounds is not his to sell.

by Chrissie Tue Mar 02, 2010 17:25

"There is a risk but with adequate clean up of effluent on site and monitoring of the discharge through sampling the effluent and metal accumulation of animals the situation should be controlled."
WITH adequate clean up....the situation should be "controlled". So no-one need die or suffer; monitoring will tell us when the fish become unfit to eat.

by Realist Tue Mar 02, 2010 20:49

At the end of the day, and when the whole overall situation is ground down to its very finest, who in their right mind is ever going to trust Shell Oil to behave responsibly in connection with pollution -- allowing for the awful track record they have (by their own choices) produced and deliberately sustained for themselves around the world over the past several decades?

Allowing for the vast profits Shell Oil makes, which would easily enable it to behave responsibly regarding pollution, it seems they couldn't care less about it.

I wouldn't be in the slightest bit surprised to discover at some later date that Shell Oil actually get a buzz out of polluting all around them (not to mention bullying people all round them as well) -- thanks to what seems to be some kind of "we'll piss anywhere" type of power-drunk, rich-bullyboy brand of attitude.

Keep Shell Oil well out of the place I'd say, and steer well clear of all the unnecessary and avoidable "paralysis by analysis" type speculation relating to e-mails from scientists who appear to be completely ignoring Shell's proven and well known track record regarding pollution, and their proven ability to give the "two fingers" sign -- and worse, much worse -- to anybody (including government monitors, peaceful protestors, and so on) who tries to stop them.

by Dr Alex Rogers - Zoological Society of London Tue Mar 02, 2010 21:10 Alex.Rogers at ioz dot ac dot uk

Given that an email that was sent in confidence to what appeared to be a genuinely concenrned resident today has been published on these pages I am obliged to send a further qualification on my comments.

My original report to Pat O'Donal on the EIA for the Corrib gas development stands. It was aimed at outlining areas of concern with regards to the EIA and where I considered it may be deficient. Levels of heavy metals dischaged as effluent from the refinery was one of the concerns raised. Mercury contamination of the environment IS a serious issue. In extreme cases, it has caused death but in these cases levels of contamination were extremely high and involved a particularly toxic form of mercury, toxicity depends on the particular chemical species that are encountered. In other cases, for example the contamination of breast milk through mercury fall out in the North Pacific Ocean and biomagnification up the foodchain, it has effected the development of children. These cases are horrific but clearly any mercury released from the Corrib project must be placed into context in terms of the levels of metal released, its chemical speciation and its subsequent behaviour in the environment, especially dilution, as obviously a low level of mercury in the environment will pose a low level of risk. The residents who fish in the area are correct to be concerned about any installation that potentially will release mercury into the local environment and it is their right to demand the highest quality evaluation of this project and the highest environmental standards in its execution.

I would point out that there were other significant concerns with respect to this development especially with regards to its impact on areas designated as protected because of their importance to wildlife at a European level.

I am utterly appalled to hear that such heavy sentences have been handed out to the residents of Mayo for what are apparently very minor offences which occurred during protests regarding the development, although I am not familiar with the full details of the case. It concerns me that in Ireland, a country that has traditionally valued freedom and personal expression, this can happen to a group of people who are legitimately concerned about a development that will have a major impact on their community. The fact that this situation has reached such a divisive and bitter confrontation can only be ascribed to a failure of proper communication and consultation of the local community.

I have asked a representative of Pat within the community to update me with all of the details of the Corrib development to date so that I may assess whether or not the original concerns raised in my report were addressed by the developers and government. I sincerely hope that this will help to resolve this issue and will welcome any further information that will help in the assessment of this development that can be provided from whatever source.

Alex Rogers

by For Mr Rogers Tue Mar 02, 2010 22:57

One would have thought our distinguished "scientist" Dr Rogers would have kept himself abreast of the ongoing developments in relation to the Corrib project, especially considering that he is the author of that infamous damning report which “allegedly” predicted Armageddon once the refinery was operative.
This saga is getting more farcical as it progresses, now we have an imminent scientist trying to justify what he told Pat, while at the same time attempting to qualify what his report had concerns over.
Perhaps he would be kind enough to tell us here, did he advise Pat that if the refinery went ahead, he (Pat) should pack his bags and move his family from the area?

If Mr Rogers needs a belated update on the developments and potential future risks associated with the project he will get all the regulatory detail he desires here on the Environmental Protection Agencies website; http://www.epa.ie/terminalfour/ippc/ippc-view.jsp?regno...38-01

If he would just like to peruse the final determination/ IPPC licence conditions he will find that here; http://www.epa.ie/licences/lic_eDMS/090151b2801ce68b.pdf

by Niall Harnett Tue Mar 02, 2010 23:25

Thanks very much for that Alex, it's very helpful.

You're absolutely right to point out that the failure to properly communicate and consult is the root of the problem. The concept of sustainable development is rooted in the full and proper participation, consultation and agreement of 'the community', in order to achieve local, national and global development that is sustainable with regard to the community, the environment and the economy.
Think global, act local.

The State have resorted to the use of force, instead of reason to bully and impose this development on the community. This has resulted inevitably in some confrontations with the forces of the state which suit the Gardai in bringing prosecutions against understandably angry protesters for minor incidents. Pat has been beaten by Gardai and has had his boat sunk by mercenaries. Yet he lands up in jail … inspiring confidence in the institutions of the state to responsibly address and manage the problems of Corrib and Shell!!

by m.m.mccarron Wed Mar 03, 2010 10:11

Shell will appear in Court in the Netherlands this year. One of the four plaintiffs is an Ogoni fisherman.
The case is being supported by Milieudefensie Netherlands Friends of the Earth with Environmental Rights Action Nigeria. Details of the preparation of the case are on the website of Milieudefensie and include a profile of each plaintiff. That of Chief Barzaa Dooh makes pathetic reading as he describes the destruction of his fish ponds not once but twice by leaks from Shell pipelines. We would do well to read and reflect on it as just one of multi incidents within the fishing communities of the Niger Delta. There are habitats that must never be demanded to sustain oil and gas production if we value life in all its forms.

by Wondering Why? Wed Mar 03, 2010 10:27

Despite e-mail reminders to several members of our Government -- Executive, Legislative, and JUDICIAL -- which were made around the end of January of this year, it nevertheless seems to be the case that, some 11 years and more after signing it, no progress at all is being made regarding the matter of having the international United Nations Aarhus Convention Agreement "laid before Dail Eireann", as is required under the very clear and straightforward terms of Article 29.5.1 of our written Constitution (Bunreacht na hEireann).

Article 1 of the Aarhus Convention Agreement, which looks like it might be VERY useful for protecting the local people of North West Mayo, reads as follows:

"In order to contribute to the protection of the right of  EVERY PERSON  of present and future generations to live in an environment adequate to his or her health and well being, each Party shall guarantee the rights of access to information, public participation in decision-making, and access to justice in environmental matters in accordance with the provisions of this Convention."

Related Link: http://www.humanrightsireland.com/PrimeMinisterCowen/5F...l.htm

by Maura Harrington - S2S; Davitt League Thu Mar 04, 2010 14:33

Interesting to note that my last post, which showed that Shell could either hold on to its current EPA licence OR have a legally binding contract with EIFA but not both at the same remains unaddressed by the anonymous 'fisherman'.

If there is no verifiable reply to what I've posted then the veracity of what I've written stands which means EIFA have been stripped of their fig leaf for accepting the Shell shilling.

by livinginrossport Thu Mar 04, 2010 18:43

Letter to Pat in Castlerea

http://livinginrossport.wordpress.com/2010/03/04/dear-pat/

by Real Erris Fisherman Thu Mar 04, 2010 19:18

There is one fact that Ms Harrington seems to be ignoring, that is the post by the eminent Dr. Alex David Rogers above which confirms that Dr Rogers himself sees no serious problem with the discharge once it has been treated onshore before discharge.
It is ironic that Pat O’Donnell is languishing in Castlerea Prison, convicted of public order offences which were driven by his belief that Dr Rogers as a respected scientist was of the opinion that the Corrib project would destroy the marine environment off the Erris coast.
We now have Dr. Rogers on public record stating, “It is unfortunate that my original report is being interpreted in this way”.
Maybe the Dr. would be kind enough to post the original report on Indymedia and we can all see what alarmed Pat so much that he was willing to break the law of the land and do prison time from fear of the project.
The EIFA “has” a legally binding agreement with Shell drawn up by their (EIFA) respected legal team, which ensures that if the EPA refuses to allow a discharge location further out to sea, then the produced water will be taken away by road!
Maura should know this, the Chief definitely knows this considering that he quietly rejoined the EIFA last year shortly after his dramatic resignation from the group following their acceptance of Shells offer of compensation!
Personally I’m surprised that mainstream media has not latched on to the posting by Dr. Rogers, and the fact that he is refuting the assumption that he believes that the Corrib project will destroy the fishing industry of Erris.

by Maura Harrington - S2S; Davitt League Thu Mar 04, 2010 20:59

'My original report to Pat O'Donal (sic) on the EIA for the Corrib gas development stands.' Snuffle the facts Porky-teller.

My statement remains unaddressed - if Shell have a contract with EIFA they are obliged to return to the EPA with a new IPPC licence application and there can be no legal certainty that they will get one until the process (not yet even begun) is over.

The sordid facts are that the fishermen in EIFA who allowed themselves to be delivered to Shell are now in the position where, like Winston Churchill's one time dinner companion (one of the Astors), they are merely haggling over the price.

by Observer Fri Mar 05, 2010 13:21

Earlier in this thread I made reference to parallels between the Oil and Gas Giveaway and the earlier giveaway of fishing rights in this country.
What are your thoughts on this?
I put to you the proposition that no matter how frightening the prospect you would serve your own long term interests better by throwing your lot back in with Pat and the people of Ireland who are fighting to reclaim sovereignty over this country's resources be they oil; and gas, fish or other.
Your current course of action may give you short term gains but in 5, 10, 20 years time you will find yourselves no better and probably far worse off. You are deluding yourselves if you think otherwise. Take a look at history.

by Michael Gallagher Fri Mar 05, 2010 17:43 libertypics at yahoo dot ie

....from Warsaw, Kilkenny, Cork, Dublin and Slovakia behind the camera, the weekly Wednesday presence outside the jail.

Hearts and minds are being won people....eyes on the prize. Pat is 24 days in Castlerea Prison.

Picture essays on shell2sea, anti war, workers issues etc @ http://www.myspace.com/libertypics

Thanks for looking.

Pics copyleft except for commercial use, © Michael Gallagher 2010

by MG. Fri Mar 05, 2010 17:46

..and Sister Majella was there.

by MG Fri Mar 05, 2010 17:54

sorry, that should be http://myspace.com/libertypix I need a sleep!

by TD - Shell to Sea Fri Mar 05, 2010 21:22

"First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win" (Gandhi) and this unconscionable state of ours is fighting dirty in the jailing of the indomitable Pat - or "thug" as one of the states men of straw put it or had to put it in his judicial demonisation and criminalization of dissent.

Knowing that his comrades journeyed down from Erris to bear witness, Pat, I'm sure is eating his Castlerea porridge with relish now for its proof apparant that the struggle is continuing undimmed and uncowed in his abscence.?

One Topaz station down, another 249 to go.?

by Justice Seeker Sat Mar 06, 2010 10:57

True, VERY true.

But, try not to forget that important and serious though the jailing of this particular man is (for several reasons), it is but one of several of the tell-tale symptoms of a particularly nasty form of "government wrongdoing" which goes much deeper, which is much more "evil" overall, and potentially almost infinitely more dangerous: if it is not soon stopped, and assuming of course that the legal means ever do now come into existence (in practice) to lawfully and peacefully stop all the government wrongdoing in question -- allowing for the ongoing existence at the present time of rampant and overwhelming impunity in our "justice system" (so called).

The hijacking of our written Constitution (Bunreacht na hEireann) by our own Government (Executive Legislative, and JUDICIAL) is what lays at the root of this particular jailing issue, and several other similar social disturbances which all relate to each other in one very important respect: which is the production, sustenance, and ongoing presence of unconstitutional law -- i.e. invalid (or illegal) law, which the "thugs" in our judiciary are pretending is the genuine article (while managing to keep a straight face in our court rooms), and, so far at least, are getting away with (100 %), even though their activities involve treasonous forms of crime.

I believe it is also worth keeping in mind that irrefutable evidence has long been available to prove beyond all reasonable doubt that numerous blindingly clear efforts have been made during the past 10 years or so to bring this grossly pernicious matter of "unconstitutional law" to the attention of our Government (Executive, Legislative, and JUDICIAL), including the particular attempt using the e-mails and registered letter sent to Prime Minister Brian Cowen TD (and his Government colleagues) on May 9th 2008, the text of which (together with scanned copies of the associated Post Office receipts) has been placed at the following Internet address:
http://www.humanrightsireland.com/PrimeMinisterCowen/9M...l.htm

I believe we all also need to keep in mind that the rot in our Government (Executive, Legislative, and JUDICIAL) is now at a very advanced stage, so far advanced in fact that it might even be unstoppable by lawful and peaceful means, which, I would wish to stress, are the only means that are of any interest to me personally.

by Ballinamore Mural Group. Sat Mar 06, 2010 23:36

Every year for the last 20 years the John Joe McGirl Memorial Group in Ballinamore, Co Leitrim have erected a mural in the town commemorating various Republican events and anniversaries.

In 2009 the group decided to broaden the scope of the mural to other campaigns.

The mural for 2010 is dedicated to Shell to Sea, in solidarity with fisherman Pat O'Donnell.

To the left of the mural is the monument to late John Joe Mc Girl T.D. (1921-1988), designed by renowned artist Robert Ballagh.

"We're all very proud of the Chief up here in Ballinamore, we're proud of you all. It's an honour to play a small part with this mural, in your noble struggle. Never lose heart, we all depend on your courage and commitment", said Kevan Murphy on behalf of the group.

by Maura Harrington - S2S; Davitt League Sun Mar 07, 2010 13:18

A sincere thank you to all in Ballinamore involved in the work which produced this fine mural. It means a lot to the beleagured community in Erris to know that this mural will be on proud display beside the monument to a man who lived and died with his integrity intact.

Gura míle maith agaibh. Beir bua.

by nifc - national irish freedom committee Mon Mar 08, 2010 16:49

yesterday at new york citys only all inclusive st pats parade in woodside/sunnyside (queens) saw members of the nifc distribute fliers in support of pat and other material informing those at parade about shell to sea. big banner saying free pat now! support was shown by friends of the nifc such as malachy mccourt , radio free eireann, ny green party amongst others - pics and report to follow more info @ national irish freedom website @ www.irishfreedom.net

by aoife123 Tue Mar 09, 2010 06:37

Thx for the info Doc Rogers. Rarely, do we mere plebs get germane scientific input in such circumstances. The way I see it, we had fairly pristine fishing grounds and we won't after the refinery is operational. We will have to continually monitor the situation. Ireland, if our past record on environmental issues is anything to go by, is lousy at long term regulation and monitoring. Maybe this will change, but I don't hold out much hope.

As for some comments by a particular poster, I do not take pleasure that we will export our metal contaminated fish to others, as if this species of argument is somehow a great mitigating factor. However, this is the way of the world in global trade. The farther we are away from the sources of production the easier it is to ignore the factors of production. I'm sure our erstwhile trading partners take the same view as our exporters. What we don't know can't hurt us until the profits are banked, and that's all that really matters these days.

I sincerely hope Pat O'Donnell is in good spirits despite his travails. One man or one community can't defeat big business and their crony partners in government, but I suppose people of conscience need to be heard. It's the only positive mitigating factor that exists in a world where money is more important than people.

by Hoping Tue Mar 09, 2010 13:23

I've just noticed a piece of recent news on the RTE web site where it is related that the Republic of Ireland Ombudsman (Emily O'Reilly) has, among some other very important statements, very clearly (and very accurately in my view) publicly observed that:

" ... the Irish Parliament is no longer in a position to hold the executive to account and the Constitution has become more fiction than reality".

How I hope that this extremely important lead which Emily O'Reilly now appears to be giving will be thoroughly and responsibly followed through to the bitter end, with the help and support of as many of the people of the Republic of Ireland as possible, and to the point that the pitiful and frightening situation regarding the abuse of our Constitution (Bunreacht na hEireann) has been fully remedied -- and which surely must (I believe) include the complete scrapping of the "Great Giveaway" of oil and gas reserves.

Related link: http://www.rte.ie/news/2010/0309/politics.html

by Ethel Corduff - Shell to Sea Tue Mar 09, 2010 21:53

What a wonderful convoy of support for Pat O Donnell . A pity that none of the Erris Fishermens Association could join it. Perhaps they were too ashamed to show their faces. I agree with Maura Harrington that Pat O Donnell is the Real Erris Fisherman. He owns the fishing rights to Broadhaven Bay as have generations of his family. He has the right to protect it for his family and future generations and in doing so he is focusing attention on the great give away of Ireland's resources. Quite rightly Pat cares about the environment and is concerned about the future of the pristine waters of the Bay. The pollution of which will get worse when Shell /Statoil gets to work on it, no matter what the Poster calling himself 'a real Erris fisherman' claims. He sounds like a Shell employee trying to stir things up !
Pat O Donnell is a hero who has saved lives and an example to all fishermen, They should follow where he leads, after all he is The Chief.

by Disillusioned Wed Mar 10, 2010 21:21

The Western People this week carried a story about Dr Rogers change of heart in relation to Corrib.

Marine expert denies saying Corrib project could kill

A MARINE biologist has denied saying that people would die if the Corrib project went ahead, writes Marian Harrison.

http://www.westernpeople.ie/news/story/?trs=eyojsnaumh

by Cautious Thu Mar 11, 2010 09:17

Consider for example the following three excerpts from an Amnesty International report dated June 30th 2009, relating to the Niger Delta, where Royal Dutch Shell is the main operator:

"Oil has generated an estimated US$600 billion since the 1960s. Despite this, many people in the oil-producing areas have to drink, cook with and wash in polluted water, and eat fish contaminated with oil and other toxins."

"The destruction of livelihoods and the lack of accountability and redress have led people to steal oil and vandalize oil infrastructure in an attempt to gain compensation or clean-up contracts."

"The oil industry in the Niger Delta of Nigeria has brought impoverishment, conflict, human rights abuses and despair to the majority of the people in the oil-producing areas, according to a new Amnesty International report."

The full report in question, which says a lot more than is related in the three excerpts provided above, can be viewed at the following location: http://www.amnesty.org/en/news-and-updates/news/oil-ind...90630

by Justin Morahan Sat Mar 13, 2010 02:01

I deplore the jailing of Pat O'Donnell by a corrupt Irish State.

by Eamonn O'Coilea'in - Republic of Ireland Thu Apr 29, 2010 14:31

What about COPPER AND NICKEL . Here are some others things that come from raw gas BOTULISM , SALMONELLA, just to mention a few more chemical toxics that are poison to warm blooded humans.
If the heavy metal water is so safe and does no harm, $hell say they were going to release small amounts at a time, They would s\till build up over time and poison the $hell fish. WHY are $hell paying all the money if it's so safe. It's not safe; thats why Shell pays out, Don't be F00led,
LOOK up some of the poisons that come with Raw Gas, 1/3 of it is Sludge (mud With Toxic Metals). READ UP on what happens in other places around the World that have been contaminated with these Toxic poisons, And sea if you would like it happening with your food ! GOD BLESS THE CHIEF: