Dempsey rules out mediation over Corrib site

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources Noel Dempsey has dismissed a suggestion that the Taoiseach should get involved in the row over the Corrib gas terminal and has ruled out any further mediation efforts.

Speaking after four TDs joined a protest of almost 100 people at the entrance to the site of Shell's proposed refinery in north Co Mayo, Mr Dempsey said people had a right to protest but not to block people from going to work.

"I am very concerned that people who want to go to work have to have a garda escort to go to work, and I would be concerned about that anywhere in Ireland," Mr Dempsey told the RTÉ One O'Clock News.

The Shell-To-Sea campaigners and locals were supported by Independents Dr Jerry Cowley, Tony Gregory and Seamus Healy along with Socialist TD Joe Higgins this morning.

Up to 120 protesters staged a silent march along the road to the entrance of the terminal at Bellanaboy and did not interfere with a convoy of around 20 vehicles carrying Shell workers on to the site.

Some 30 gardaí were on duty near the front gates of the refinery site.

When asked whether Mr Ahern, who has managed to get Gerry Adams and the Rev Ian Paisley to work together, could negotiate an agreement, Mr Depmsey quipped: "In comparison to some of the people we are dealing with here, I think those two [Adams and Paisley] are two very reasonable men.

"They have shown themselves to be more prepared to give a bit and take a bit and compromise," Mr Dempsey said, adding: "I have no doubt if Shell decided they were going to sea we would have 'save our seas' from the very same people."

Mr Dempsey said there was an element "in the local area and outside the area that just won't rest until they put a stop to this project, and I think in a democracy that is just not a tenable position to be supporting".

He repeated that the Government supports the project, that Shell has the necessary permissions and that the foremost international safety experts have examined the project.

In a statement issued following their visit to the site this morning, the four TDs said that that a large force of gardaí have been diverted from normal policing duties to police the protests outside the Shell site.

They added that "media reports of widespread intimidation are without foundation".

The TDs said the fears of the protesters were that "the refinery and terminal with associated pipeline provide a significant risk to health and life . . . and also that Bellanaboy will be expanded to meet the needs of any other finds that are made.

"These are in our opinion very valid and understandable concerns and fears. Could it be the refinery and terminal are in the wrong location?" the TDs asked.