Shell to Sea
Higgins calls for stop to Corrib gas terminal

Report from RTE News

Socialist Party TD Joe Higgins has said the building of the controversial gas terminal in north Mayo should be stopped now.

Addressing a protest meeting at the terminal site this morning, he said Shell should be forced to build an off-shore terminal.

He also criticised the large garda presence at the site each morning and said it was beyond belief that the Government would treat the people of the area in the way they had.

A group of about 120 members of the Shell to Sea campaign, who are opposing the Corrib gas terminal, are taking part in a protest march on a road leading to the site.

A convoy of about 20 vehicles - carrying construction workers - passed by the demonstrators without incident and entered the terminal site.

The demonstrators are staging a silent march from Bellanaboy crossroads to the terminal site.

Three Independent TDs - Jerry Cowley, Tony Gregory and Seamus Healy - as well as Joe Higgins have joined the march.

Deputy Gregory said the TDs were offering their solidarity with the people of the area.

A force of about 30 gardaí is on duty.