Shell Ireland has alleged that a number of workers on its Corrib gas project in Co Mayo have received threats of violence in an increasingly bitter row over the construction of a gas pipeline.
A Shell spokeswoman claimed its workers in Rossport had reported "a number of instances of intimidatory behaviour" by third parties.
"We have advised our employees that if they have been subject to intimidatory behaviour or threats, these instances should be reported to the local gardai," she said.
The Garda Press Office told ireland.com itcould not confirm whether or not gardai had recieved any complaints about threats or intimidation.
Independent Mayo TD Dr Jerry Cowley said he "totally refutes" Shell's claims of intimidation.
"All these stories of threats are just plain nonsense," he told ireland.com. "This is a peaceful protest, there are no threats whatsoever. It's pure propaganda by Shell."
Shell Exploration & Production Ireland is embroiled in a dispute with Rossport residents over the safety of the pipeline, which it plans to run inland for 9km (5.5 miles) to a processing plant.
Residents, who are concerned about the high-pressure pipeline running past their homes, want Shell to process the gas on an offshore shallow water platform instead.
Shell has said the €300 million pipeline meets stringent safety regulations and will be built to "world-class standards".
Five men are still in jail for contempt of court after refusing not to obstruct the laying of the pipeline through their lands. The five men, who are due back in court on July 25th, argue that an offshore terminal is the only solution in terms of safety.
Shell has urged "meaningful and constructive dialogue" to resolve the situation.
Currently, Shell has consent only for "preparatory" work on the pipeline linking the Corrib field to the approved terminal or refinery at Bellanaboy, according to Minister for Marine and Natural Resources Noel Dempsey.
The company has now suspended all work on the pipeline at the request of the Minister, following his decision to commission another safety review.
- Additional reporting: Reuters