Shell Halt Work In Erris Due To Accidents

by Terry Thu May 05, 2005 13:07

1. Shell stops haulage of Erris peat



The controversial Corrib Gas terminal project has been dealt another blow after Shell was forced to suspend all peat haulage operations last week following a series of bizarre accidents. In the first week of operations, three trucks that had been carrying peat from the Bellanaboy Bridge terminal site to the Bord na Móna deposition site at Srahmore, ran off the narrow road into a soft verge, toppling on their sides and consequently tipping their loads. Fortunately, nobody was injured as a result of these accidents but due to the severity of the situation and the potential for serious injuries or a fatality, Shell have temporarily suspended all peat deliveries to the Srahmore site.

Since the commencement of haulage operations, a number of Bord na Móna staff that were due to be made redundant, had been given temporary contracts at Bord na Móna’s Srahmore site. However, with operations now suspended and a full investigation being carried out, these Bord na Móna workers have been temporarily laid off the project workforce in accordance with agreed procedures.

The investigation into these three incidents is ongoing by Shell and Mayo County Council. On Friday evening, a spokesperson for Shell told the Western People that while the company was unsure as to exactly when the peat haulage operations would recommence, it confirmed that it would definitely not be in a position to resume haulage operations today (Tuesday).

When contacted by the Western People, a spokesperson for Mayo County Council refused to make any comment on the situation, stating that the Council may release a statement at some stage in the future.

Maura Harrington, one of the chief objectors to the gas terminal said she was not at all surprised with the situation.

“The latest proposal by Shell was even more demented than the previous one. My main concern now though, is that they would be tempted to revert to the November 2000 plan, which was to scatter bog among the trees on site and try to make a terrace out of it,� said Mrs Harrington.“Considering they claim to be under such time restraints and are no doubt losing money every day, what are they doing with all the peat on site now?� she questioned. According to Ms Harrington, unless the company and Mayo County Council come to an agreement whereby the entire road would be dug up and properly replaced, these road accidents will continue to happen.

© Western People

by rodney sparkles Wed May 04, 2005 22:04

...about the weekend of solidarity with those who are resisting the Shell development. Little need to engage in debate with those who suggest that the development will be beneficial; it is clear that the ecological damage will be tremendous and of little comparison to economic gains. What is worth noting is that the State plans to temporarily suspend the rights of the landowners in order to build the high-pressure gas pipeline (and over landslide prone ground too).

Apologies, got a little drawn into debate...anyway, the aforementioned weekend will take place on 4-6 June and will hopefully attract a good showing of eco-heads and all us types who oppose the power of State and Capital.

...much love

by William Tue May 03, 2005 14:02

Pete, you say that the west is going to need this project when the Celtic Tiger fades away. Just how is this going to help the west? Shell didn't help Ogoni Land in Nigeria - its operations ruined Ogoni Land and the local people didn't receive any financial or other benefit. The people of Mayo will not enjoy a net benefit from this operation.

by pete Sun May 01, 2005 17:09

I dont disagree with you, I have no difficulty with people coming into an area and living there but they should respect the local people and not act in such a selfish and condecending way. If these people were around when the wheel was being invented they would have objected. By the way not every blow in acts in this way and some make a good and positive contribution to an area, North mayo and the west coast need corrib. The celtic tiger isnt going to be around forever and it will be vital the west has this project when it starts to fade away.

by Tommy Donnellan - Galway Grassroots Sun May 01, 2005 16:45

So, "Pete" and "Nora," according to yee'r pernicious line of casuistry 'n sophism, one has to be "local/a local" to opine legitimately on local and, indeed, global issues?. Does this mean, for instance, that no one can morally/legitimately condemn the obscenity of the Holocaust except "locals" of Auschwitz, Dachau, etc.

I put it to ye, one does'nt have to be a hen to tell when an egg is bad, but, judging from the malodorous whiff of salmonella 'n listeria emanating from yee'r offensive comments, I'm now, bejaysus, beginning to wonder whether this is true?.

by William Sat Apr 30, 2005 23:25

Pete,
It's virtually certain you either a) are representing Shell in some way, b) haven't a clue what's happening there or c) are one of those morons who write nonsense just to provoke, or all three. So perhaps one should ignore you, but for the benefit of others, it should be pointed out that:
- Shell are the blow-ins in this situation;
- there will be very few "opportunities of employment" for local people, as Shell invariably brings workers in from overseas, especially on its oil rigs;
- overall there will be almost no benefits to Mayo, Ireland or the Irish: the gas will go to Britain and beyond and most of the money raised will go to the directors and shareholders of Shell, Statoil and the other companies involved.

by diehard blow in Sat Apr 30, 2005 20:37

id rather a few blow ins
than a couple of flak generators

above comments are remarkable for their resemblance to govt whispering campaigns against an taisce and pro rampant unsustainable development

by Nora Sat Apr 30, 2005 20:22

I've noticed a lot of problems with people who are not local to a region sticking their noses where they don't belong and engaging in all kinds of questionable behaviour in order to sabotage industry and deny jobs in areas they have nothing to do with, often because of unrelated personal agendas.

As to what is local and what's not? I'd say that if someone has lived in a place for a total of 14-15 years or worked somewhere for 10 years, they are local. If someone has lived somewhere for virtually their entire life, they are local.

by Pete Sat Apr 30, 2005 18:32

Someone once said "you can't build an airport on bog" I now believe theres an airport in the same region build on bog - blow in's would love to keep it the way it was when they moved in. They object to local peoples planning applications, they try to deny them the opportunities of employment in industry and development in their areas - many of these do gooders live off social welfare and don't want jobs - why not go back to where ye came from and bring your camera with you, a truck going of the road in north mayo is'nt really news and it wont stop this development