Damage near gas sites investigated

GARDAÍ IN north Mayo are investigating damage to property associated with the Corrib gas project earlier this week.

GARDAÍ IN north Mayo are investigating damage to property associated with the Corrib gas project earlier this week.

Supt Pat Diskin of Belmullet Garda station confirmed yesterday that incidents were being investigated in Pollathomas, close to the work site for the final section of onshore gas pipeline, and at Glengad, landfall for the offshore pipeline.

A number of windows were broken at the Pollathomas property, which has been used by Corrib gas partners and consultants.

Gardaí believe the damage was caused at about 6am on Monday. It is understood lighting may have been removed and up to 20 panes of glass smashed.

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In a separate incident, windows at the Glengad property were damaged on Tuesday at about 3.30am. The Glengad house is close to land acquired by Shell EP Ireland and partners for the onshore pipeline landfall.

Up to 150 security personnel have been employed by Shell EP Ireland for the project, on shift rotations at the Corrib gas terminal at Ballinaboy and at the new work site at Aughoose.

Shell EP Ireland did not respond to inquiries by The Irish Timesyesterday.

Construction work on the last section, the onshore pipeline, began late last month and has been marked by protests and a number of injuries and arrests.

A High Court judicial review of consents for this section, sought by An Taisce and several local residents, is due to be heard in the Commercial Court in the autumn.

Lorna Siggins

Lorna Siggins

Lorna Siggins is the former western and marine correspondent of The Irish Times