Irish Times: Shell seeks stop to gas pipeline protests: “An application by a Shell company for orders restraining five Co Mayo people from interfering with the construction of a gas pipeline from the Corrib gas field across their lands has opened before the president of the High Court. A similar order is also sought against an environmentalist, Peter Sweetman.” (ShellNews.net) 19 March 05

An application by a Shell company for orders restraining five Co Mayo people from interfering with the construction of a gas pipeline from the Corrib gas field across their lands has opened before the president of the High Court.

A similar order is also sought against an environmentalist, Peter Sweetman.

Patrick Hanratty SC, for Shell E&P Ireland Ltd, said the €900 million development of the Corrib gas field was intended for commissioning in October 2007.

The Minister for the Marine had made compulsory purchase orders to enable the pipeline to be constructed overland.

However, the defendants had obstructed the attempts of oil company workers to enter the defendants' lands to begin work.

Counsel said about 30 landowners were affected and all but seven had consented to the work.

Those who agreed had been paid compensation, in agreement with the Irish Farmers' Association. Seven had not consented.

Six had physically obstructed attempts by oil company personnel to embark on work. The defendants had committed technical assaults and made threats.

The proceedings by Shell are against Philip McGrath, James B. Philbin, Willie Corduff, Monica Muller, BrId McGarry - all of Rossport South, Ballina - and Mr Sweetman, of Grosvenor Road, Rathmines, Dublin, and stated to be an occupier of Ms Muller's property.

Mr Hanratty said the application was urgent because work was to begin in April. The hearing was adjourned until Wednesday.

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