The Garda security operation to protect the Corrib gas pipeline project in Co Mayo has cost the State nearly €1 million, it has emerged.
According to figures provided to the Dáil last week, €933,000 has been spent on the operation, which has meant a 24-hour Garda presence at some of the controversial sites at Bellanaboy on the Erris peninsula.
The operation has also included the surveillance of activists in the protests against the plan for the gas terminal and high-pressure pipeline.
In a written response to a question by Independent Mayo TD Jerry Cowley, Minister for Justice Michael McDowell said the operation was "regularly reviewed to ensure the most effective and efficient use of resources".
The Garda had a general objective of responsibility, serving peace and good order, protecting life and property and preventing crime.
"The Garda authorities advise that these objectives are what motivate the continued Garda presence in the Glengad, Rossport and Ballinaboy areas," he said.
"An Garda Síochána also maintains a crime-prevention, criminal-intelligence and road-safety initiative role in the areas it patrols, which is incorporated in the Garda duty to monitor the situation at Corrib gas project sites so as to preserve the peace."
There has been an ongoing protest outside the site of the proposed onshore terminal at Ballinaboy.
However, the Garda operation was criticised by Dr Cowley, who said the €933,000 was "a disgraceful amount to be spent on a lawful protest".
He claimed that, while people found gardaí to be reasonable to deal with, there had been an overreaction at times by the officers to the potential security threat, and cited the visit of Advantica consultants last year, which he said required up to 40 gardaí.