Shell’s giant tunnel-boring machine was expected to remain at an isolated Co Mayo crossroads for a third night, as residents last night questioned the ability of the boggy road to withstand the weight of heavy removal vehicles and some protesters against Shell’s Corrib gas scheme vowed to continue their demonstration.
A Mayo County Council spokesman confirmed the local authority was continuing to work with oil company experts. He said it was hoped the machine and jack-knifed lorry would be removed within the next two days from Glenamoy crossroads, where the vehicle had got stuck and blocked traffic.
“It is envisaged that the problem will be resolved in the next 24 to 48 hours but that is contingent on the level of protest activity encountered,” he said. “The protesters have already delayed the transportation of lifting equipment to the scene.”