PARTNERS IN FAITH
25 Cork Street
Dublin 8
www.partnersinfaith.ie
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Date: Thursday, August 15, 2013
Partners in Faith calls for a full public enquiry to investigate the relationship between the Garda Siochana in Mayo and Shell E&P following publication of a recent newspaper article claiming that Shell E&P had €35,000 worth of alcohol delivered to Belmullet Garda station in December 2007.
The claim in the Observer newspaper article raises serious questions about the policing of the Corrib Gas Project in Mayo and also the activity of Shell E&P in Erris. These questions now need to be investigated thoroughly. The enquiry needs to address such questions as: 'What was the purpose of the delivery of €35,000 worth of alcohol to Belmullet Garda station on behalf of Shell E&P in December 2007?' 'What is the nature of the relationship between Shell E&P and the Garda Siochana in Mayo in which the delivery of such a major consignment of alcohol could take place?' and 'What effect has this relationship of Garda and Shell had on the local community?'
Partners in Faith believes the local community in Erris has suffered grave injustices over the last thirteen years. This is due to a questionable policing policy and a failed business model which has allowed a foreign multinational undue influence in the affairs of an Irish community. We believe the time has come for these issues to be fully addressed.
Refs:
1) Strange tale of Shell's pipeline battle, the Gardaí and £30,000 of booze – Observer article
2) Breakdown of Trust – Frontline Defenders report on Corrib Gas Dispute