A number of former Greenpeace activists have taken part in a training exercise in support of Mayo fishermen's objections to the Corrib gas project.
Up to 20 members of environmental group International Sea Solidarity (ISS) participated in the exercise in Belmullet harbour with members of the Erris Inshore Fishermen's Association. The association withdrew from discussions with Shell E&P Ireland in January, after failure to reach agreement in relation to its concerns about the project.
The association is worried about the impact of the proposed discharge pipe that will carry contaminants from gas processed at the refinery out to sea. It says the company "never seriously addressed this problem", and it has only been examined by the Department of Marine's marine licence vetting committee.
Shell E&P Ireland said the issue would be dealt with via the "relevant legislative process". Orla Campbell of ISS said the group involved "individuals representing international groups who are determined to ensure the success of the fishermen's campaign to protect their livelihood and the marine eco-system".
ISS says the Corrib project will affect north Mayo's marine environment and Carrowmore Lake, which supplies drinking water to 10,000 people in the area.
