Local residents prosecuted for removing nets placed by Shell at Glengad beach, Co Mayo, to prevent sand martins nesting on the cliffs had the charges against them dropped by the State yesterday.
The charges against nine members of the Erris community were struck out by Judge Gerard Haughton at a special sitting of Belmullet District Court after the State indicated it would not be offering any evidence.
Last April, the residents were arrested and charged with theft after removing the nets from the cliff. Glengad beach, where it is planned that gas from the Corrib field will come ashore, is a protected habitat for birds and wildlife.
Marilyn McNicholas, for the accused, said the State had given no official reason for withdrawing the charges.