Erris Priest condems Shell-to-Sea actions

international | miscellaneous | other press Thursday November 22, 2007 22:00 by Kevin H

A well liked and respected priest from Erris has stated “To use a phrase beloved of Shell to Sea supporters, there is no ‘community consent’ for the badgering of the Gardaí as they seek to maintain the rule of democratic law at the gates of Bellanaboy”

The Priest, Fr Kevin Hegarty writing his weekly coloum in a local newspaper "The Mayo News" went on to say that "Some Shell to Sea supporters have also placed him in the ranks of the "unclean". because he accepted a position on a board which administers a scholarship scheme for Erris students, funded by Shell.
He was overtly cynical of Mary Corduff and asks, why Ms Mary Corduff, now has no confidence in the EPA. On what authority does she base her claims that her view is superior to the considered reflections of a reputable and independent agency? I think we should be told.
He contuniues to ridicule the campaign and concludes with a "bit of advice"
The only realistic way forward is based on an acceptance that Shell have legal approval for most facets of the project. Those who have genuine concerns should engage with Shell and the relevant government agencies in a forum where their concerns can be addressed and the benefits to Erris maximised.
Shell to Sea have gambled too long in the environmental casino on an all or nothing approach. Moderation is the only game in the last chance saloon.
You can read the full text here http://www.mayonews.ie/index.php?option=com_content&tas...id=40

In the same paper the the Bishop of Killala, Rev John Fleming, broke his silence on the Corrib dispute, saying "he was ‘not competent to make a scientific judgement’ on the safety of the project but acknowledged the local community’s fears, observing that while the granting of an IPPC licence would allay some of these fears, ‘it may not remove them all’."
You can read the full text of the Bishops statement here http://www.mayonews.ie/index.php?option=com_content&tas...id=40