It's a pity they weren't thrown out of court as quickly

On Monday 11th May eleven defendants charged with public order offences while protesting the M3 through the Gabhra Valley, Meath, appeared before Trim court. Three more defendants were unable to return to Ireland and their cases were heard in their absence.

Seven of the defendants had been arrested on 18th July 2007 while protesting at Blundelstown at the Hill of Tara. Others were arrested on 14th September 2007 and 26th July 2007 and 13th March 2007.

Quotes from Court Observers:

* "The Public Order cases proved to be very interesting. Each case before the Court on Monday was dismissed as the Gardaí had failed to investigate as to whether anyone being charged had lawful or reasonable excuse. Offences under the Public Order Act, for the most part, specify that in order for an offence to be committed, there must not exist a reasonable or lawful excuse."

* "The cases on Wednesday were similar to Monday's cases, with the exception of the assault case. However, there was more argument to be had, unlike those on Monday, which usually only took seconds once a Garda witness was turned over to the defence for cross examination."

* "The crunch came when the Garda, having been asked to describe what he'd do today, in similar circumstances, under the provisions of 19c of Section 24 of the Housing Act (Miscellaneous Provisions) which adds a whole new set of offences into the Public Order Act, showed the Court that he had not the beginnings of a clue. A Garda must describe the offence allegedly being committed and what his or her reaction to it is. The Garda described his reaction only and thus failed in his duty."

Reclaim the Streets
"Another World is Possible"

On Saturday Afternoon, Galwegians and their friends from around the country and world, came together on newly renamed (by us), Anti-Shop Street, to take back our space from the capitalist, consumerist culture which has taken it over, with its bizarre ideas of a life dedicated to shopping, spending, buying and profit, so that we could share an experience of another world, where everything is free, people share and give food, fun, stuff and life, simply because they can and it just feels good!

Related Links:
Reclaim the Streets website | Reclaim the Streets on Wikipedia | Reclaim the Streets, Dublin - photos 2004

The People, United

The long running struggle in Erris (Rossport) against Shell's attempt to impose an experimental gas pipeline on the local community has erupted in recent days with repeated local direct actions against the compound Shell are trying to construct. Meanwhile the state, at the behest of Shell, continues to press vindictive prosecutions against local activists. Back in March retired school teacher Maura Harrington for jailed for 30 days, today the state returned for another pound of flesh and she was sentenced to another 7-10 days in Mountjoy prison. At very short notice over 20 activists from Dublin Shell to Sea gathered at the prison gates and showed their outrage by blocking the entrance of the prison van containing Maura in to Mountjoy for about twenty minutes.

Related Links from Indymedia.ie:
Previous Indymedia Features: Tripod Action at Glengad United Community of Erris Remove Shell Nets.
Shell security attack Willie Corduff after illegal Glengad compound dismantled
Scuffles At Mountjoy As Maura Harrington Is Jailed
Indymedia.ie stories about Shell in Mayo from the Indymedia.ie Archives

Related Links outside of Indymedia.ie
The website of Shell-to-Sea - CorribSOS.com
Keep the pressure up: Contact ALL TDs, Senators, and MEPs in Ireland and let them know how you feel about Shell in Rossport - Contact.ie

Shell Out Manoeuvred Again

Campaigners using a daring “tripod” technique have halted the illegal work being undertaken by Shell at the Corrib Gas landfall site at Glengad in Co Mayo.

Shell contractors were due this morning to extend the construction compound down onto the public beach at Glengad. However, early bird Shell to Sea campaigners blocked access to the beach at 5 am by erecting two specially-designed tripods, each 20 feet in height. Two men attached themselves to the top of the tripods using climbing equipment and as of lunchtime are still suspended from the tripods.

Related Links:
Shell to Sea meeting in Ennis, Co. Clare
Report on Glengad Day of Action

Shell to Sea website - CorribSOS.com