Protesters attempt Shell HQ blockade

Campaigners protesting against Shell's Corrib gas pipeline in Co Mayo attempted to blockade Shell's HQ on Leeson Street in Dublin…

Campaigners protesting against Shell's Corrib gas pipeline in Co Mayo attempted to blockade Shell's HQ on Leeson Street in Dublin this morning.

In a repeat of a protest last month, around 50 protesters prevented Shell staff entering the building early this morning.

Finbar Dwyer of Dublin Shell to Sea said: "We think today was a successful protest to highlight the €51 billion giveaway of Ireland's resources.

"If the state took a reasonable share of the estimated €51 billion revenue from the Corrib gas field, think what that money could do for health and other public services. A proper salary could be paid to all public servants, not just nurses."

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Mr Dwyer said that despite the protest being "peaceful and non-violent", the protesters were "forcibly removed by gardaí".

A Garda spokesman said there had been no arrests made at the demonstration.

A spokeswoman for Shell E&P Ireland told ireland.comthat the comapny "fully recognises the right to peaceful protest" but that Shell employees had "a right to go to work".

"The company recognises that a minority of people are opposed to the Corrib project and have genuine concerns. However, the company has sought to address these concerns by a number of means, including mediation and our agreement to modify the onshore pipeline route," she said.

The spokeswoman also pointed out that the project has also just been through a detailed EPA oral hearing during which objectors had the opportunity to again voice their concerns.