In Newsletter 25 we reported how a consortium of oil companies headed by Shell and supported by the Irish state plan to build a dangerous inland gas refinery and high pressure raw gas pipeline in a rural community on the west coast of Ireland. A report by Eve Campbell from the camp.

For over six years residents in the area have resisted Shell. In June 2005 five members of the Rossport community were imprisoned for 94 days for preventing Shell engineers from laying the raw gas upstream pipeline near their homes. Since the jailing a community led campaign of direct action has succeeded in stopping Shell from doing any work at the proposed refinery site or from laying the upstream pipeline. The community resistance to Shell and the Irish state has been supported for over a year by the Rossport Solidarity Camp and the Shell to Sea campaign (a national and international network of environmental and social justice activists).

The Solidarity Camp celebrated one year's involvement in the struggle in June. As another summer of resistance draws to a close Shell and their mates in the Irish government are no closer completing the refinery and pipeline. Three years after the gas was initially due to flow they have not even laid foundations. However, Shell is keen to recommence work at the refinery site and announced that work will start in September (it hasn't yet).

The Solidarity Camp relocated in February to where the pipe from the rig is due to hit land, with the aim of stopping construction. Throughout the summer there have been many visitors coming to stay, support and learn about the campaign.

As the camp prepares for winter they also gearing up for a season of speaking tours, meetings, general awareness raising and campaign building. Visitors are always welcome!

For more info:

• Rossport Solidarity Camp -
• Shell to Sea

Email: rossportsolidaritycamp@gmail.com