Reports from the Shell supply ship occupation in Killybegs

Monday July 06, 2009 15:25

by Text- Fin Dwyer, Steph Images - Niall Harnett Audio - Andrew - Shell to Sea

Images, text and audio from ongoing occupation of the Toisa Independent

Today Shell to sea protestors broke through a weak spot in the armada deployed to defend the Solitaire - the supply port in Killybegs.

One S2S activist occupies tyre at side of Shell ship in Killybegs

The Solitaire whilst being an enormous ship is dependent on a constant flow of ships bringing supplies from Killybegs in Donegal. This morning seven kayakers paddled out to the ship, the Toisa Independent, which was being loaded with a fresh batch of pipes for the Solitaire. With very little security the seven paddled up to the boat and as we speak one of the Kayakers is blocking the ship from departing after climbing aboard.

After a weekend where the Sunday papers carried on the usual barrage against Shell to Sea with many claiming the campaign to be over Shell to Sea answered back in style today. The past fortnight saw the Erris area occupied by 200 Shell's private security IRMS, 300 Gardai (including 150 public order units), the navy backed up by a helicopter and an aeroplane. Todays actions have shown the campaign is far from over

This week sees the state harrasment and intimidation of the campaign step up a gear with over two dozen Shell to sea protestors being hauled before the courts on trumped up charges. Whilst the State and Shell continue to believe heavy handed bully-boy tactics.

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Attached audio file is live mobile phone interview with occupation

Approaching Shell supply ship

Alongside Shell supply ship

Another view of S2S activist in tyre, nots Gardai and camera man

Live interview with support activist for ship occupation in Killybegs

Live interview with support activist for ship occupation in Killybegs 2.28 Mb

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Comments (12 of 12)

Support for Shell to Sea from Cork

by John Jefferies - Workers' Party

Sat Jul 11, 2009 11:05

The Corrib Gas project is being raised at next Monday night's (July 13) public meeting of Cork City Council by Workers' Party councillor Ted Tynan.

Read the story via link below

statement from eirigi in donegal on protest

by Glenties Gal

Thu Jul 09, 2009 00:08

http://eirigisligeach.blogspot.com/2009/07/shell-to-sea....html

Its from eirigi in donegal. Seen a statement from Cllr Thomas Pringle in the democrat as well. Will try to get it and post it. It was not very good at all.

Just a few more pics.

by Niall

Tue Jul 07, 2009 12:59

Just a few last pics including the safe arrival back to shore of the Shell to Sea kayakers and the ship 'occupant'.

Many thanks to the local skipper and crew who brought us out in their yacht to assist one of our kayaking crew who got into difficulty, also making it easier to get some better pics. I'd like to publish a pic of the yacht and crew but I'd be concerned that it'd be sunk in the middle of the night.

Many thanks to the local coastguard who launched to supervise the safety of the kayakers once a decision was made to return to shore.

Very important to note that the local Marine Service supplier - 'Sinbad Marine Services' is happy to host IRMS security on their boats, which is as unacceptable in Killybegs as it is in Mayo.

Important to note also that this action is an indication of the resistance that will continue against the Shell Corrib gas Project in spite of the recent escalation of State force against persons opposed to it. Recent jailings and strict bail conditions imposed on those who remain innocent of any crime only serve to galvanise the will to oppose and resist. The cowardly and shameful conduct of Judge Mary Devins, Garda Supt. Michael Larkin, Garda Inspector Joe Doherty and the Gardai, who behave like petty children in a vindictive game of tale telling and punishment, with no capacity for fairness and justice, tells a sad tale. Even with all the resources of the State behind ye, ye still resort to playing a rigged game and fighting dirty ... against 'Civil Disobedients' and a few boats from 'Toys "R" Us'. Shame on you all.

The Occupant.

Sinbad Marine Services hosting IRMS Security

Irish Coastguard assisting a safe return to shore. Thanks lads.

Safely back.

Stop Shell ... The Resistance Continues.

well done

by Dr Sophie Faherty

Tue Jul 07, 2009 11:23

drsophie at indigo dot ie

So much courage and determination in the face of this huge corporation backed by the state only commands respect and admiration. Continue the fight and we are with you
Sophie

Maith sibh!

by Diarmuid Breatnach - personal capacity

Tue Jul 07, 2009 03:33

Maith sibh! Well done Shell to Sea protesters!

Congratulations on Killybegs Venture

by Ethel & Tom - London Shell to Sea

Tue Jul 07, 2009 00:45

Fantastic day Monday starting with the electrrcians strike which will delay work at Bellanaboy. Are there any electricans at the Glengad Compound? What a brainwave to go to Killybegs . Such bravery from those in the kayeks especially the protestor in the tyre. Congratulations to all involved. Great for media attention that the campaign is on going.

Update from the action

by Steph - Rossport Solidarity Camp

Mon Jul 06, 2009 18:10

rossportsolidairtycamp at gmail dot com

No arrests and everyone ok!

mighty work

by Chrissie

Mon Jul 06, 2009 17:50

Well done all - good photos, too!
Yes, people are realising the extent of the theft they've suffered.

polish translation

by harcesz

Mon Jul 06, 2009 16:32

harcesz at obin dot org

above article got translated to polish, for the polish indymedia - http://pl.indymedia.org/pl/2009/07/45820.shtml

Nice one folks

by Old codger - pensioner

Mon Jul 06, 2009 16:00

Well done all,
It is heartening to see that you young people are using your intelligence to out wit the scumbags.
This buisness will get even dirtier as you rub their noses in it.
The minister for injustice thinks it is ok for fascist merceneries to be deployed against honest Irish citizens,yet would not consider using them against the dishonest crooks in Limerick. He has to rush a bill through the Dail to give more power to the Gardai and the Judiciary, a bill that will not stop the intimidation of witnesses and will not stop the murder of same.
If the brave Gardai that are assaulting the erris people were to do their job properly they could stop the gangs with existing law.
There is another motive behind his actions
Fianna Fail scams are never ending they think they can do anything to the public and get away with it. Their time is running out the people are begining to see what evil rats they are.

In case its missed

by Andrew

Mon Jul 06, 2009 15:49

Towards the end of the audio interview ( http://www.indymedia.ie/attachments/jul2009/killybegs6j...9.mp3 ) he mentions that Maura Harrington and some of the other locals and campers went down to the electricians picket of the Shell refinery at Bellnaboy this morning to express their support for their demands.

More images from occupation

by Niall Harnett (via Andrew) - RSC

Mon Jul 06, 2009 15:38

SINBAD Marine Services have IRMS crew on board worthy of note!

Sinbad are a private marine service to boats that work here. Sinbad contracted to Shell also

Rib blocks access to S2S activist