Shell says it applied 'highest standards'

SHELL EP Ireland Ltd has responded to the recent Frontline human rights organisation’s report on the Corrib gas dispute by stating it has “always applied the highest professional standards in its approach to the Corrib gas project”.

The report by barrister Brian Barrington, published last month, was critical of the company, the Government, the Garda and Shell security I-RMS.

“The regulations relating to the Corrib gas project are enormously complex, involving multiple consents under different legislation, from several Government departments, multiple statutory agencies and the local authority in Mayo,” Shell said.

“We devote an enormous amount of time and resources to complying with the regulations relating to all aspects of the development of the pipeline and the terminal site. We are committed to doing everything possible to fully comply with these regulations at all times. Whenever an unforeseen issue has arisen, we have moved quickly to ensure full compliance as quickly as possible.”

Community group Pobal Chill Chomáin said many of the issues raised by the Frontline report could have been avoided and it welcomed recognition that peaceful protesters could be classified as human rights defenders.

The group noted “with grave concern” the comments by Integrated Risk Management Services (I-RMS) on the “apparent findings” of the Director of Public Prosecutions in relation to the Garda investigation into “events at Shell worksites”.