To date residents and supporters of the Shell To Sea campaign have been staging an ongoing picket outside the Shell gas refinery gates in Ballinaboy. Numbers on average at these chilly weekday morning vigils vary between 40 to 60 people. The picket is a reminder both to the government and the petrochemical multinational that local residents are against the construction of the refinery and the laying of gas pipes in their area.

A national day of support was called, inviting people who empathise with this campaign to come up to Mayo on Friday 16th February 2007.This is what one person saw:

Related Links: Announcement of National Demonstration · Breaking News of the Morning's Events (incl. Audio Reports) · Another Report of the Occupation · Photographic Report · Solidarity Action in Scotland

Will The State Turn to Thuggery Again?

Amid Widespread Fears of State Violence and Thuggery, Shell To Sea Call Another Day of Support

Since October 3rd 2006, residents living near Shell's proposed refinery site have peacefully protested each morning despite increasing levels of state violence. Erris Shell to Sea campaigners have demonstrated their protest in a number of ways slow car drives, sit downs and protest walks. On Friday, November 10th, a national day of action was called in Bellinaboy, which saw a huge show of violence and intimidation from the police.

Now, another national day of support is being held on Friday 16th February at Bellanaboy. The aim of the day is for people from around the country to show their support and solidarity with the community of Erris in their struggle against Shell. Buses have been organised for supporters from Dublin, Galway and Belfast. Shell To Sea has once again called for a peaceful protest and their supporters have urged the state not to repeat the violence, thuggery and intimidation displayed on previous protests.

Latest Protest News

• Thursday, 7pm: Buses Leave Dublin, Watched by the Guards
• Friday, 7.40am: Crowds begin to gather
• 8.20 am: Crowd arrives at refinery
• 10.15 am: Break-away section travel cross-country to follow pipeline
• 10.46 am: Protestors entire Bellinaboy refinery and work has stopped
• 11.20 am: Protestors march out of refinery