Irish Independent: Why the law is an ass: “What law is this which allows five innocent men to be jailed in order to facilitate the driving of a highly dangerous untreated gas pipeline through their lands?”: “In the national interest, Shell's onshore plans must stop.”: Monday July 11, 2005

Sir - What law is this which allows five innocent men to be jailed in order to facilitate the driving of a highly dangerous untreated gas pipeline through their lands?

What law is it which allows Mayo County Council to permit the development of a huge refinery complex in such a unique landscape of special marine and land conservation and allows An Bord Pleanala to overrule its inspectors' report and permit the dumping of an entire bog from one townland to another?

What law is this which allows our Government to grant foreshore licences and compulsory acquisition orders in such an area to facilitate this cheapskate onshore development by Shell, a recognised international polluter?

There are many donkeys in the beautiful fields of Erris but the law thus applied would appear to be the greatest ass of all! Or is it our Government, which brays loudly to the East about Sellafield while facilitates Shell's environmental degradation in the West.

In the national interest, Shell's onshore plans must stop. Refining must take place at sea to full international standards as would be demanded by any other state. Bernard Grimes, Lindsay Road, Glasnevin, Dublin 9

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