Dublin Shell to Sea

This morning between 8-8.30am, Pat and Jonathon O’Donnell were arrested while working at their fishing grounds in the waters off Erris, Co.Mayo.  In two separate incidents, Jonathan was arrested, and his boat tugged, while Pat was injured by Gardai and has been taken to hospital.  Both were arrested for ‘loitering’ – in their workplace.

These incidents make a mockery of guarantees made by the Gardai on Tuesday[1] to protect Pat, Jonathon and two other fishermen while they are going about their work in the wake of the recent sinking of Pat O’Donnell’s vessel the Iona Isle.  The fishermen have a lawful right to fish in the bay, and neither Shell nor the Gardai have been able to show any legal reason to stop them from doing so. 

The fishermen are opposed to the damage being done to the bay by Shell’s works, and particularly the danger from their discharge pipe to the environment of Broadhaven Bay.  The Solitaire is due to arrive in the Bay today.

In a separate occurrence, upwards of 40 Gardai, including members of the Public Order Unit, have moved into place below the Rossport Solidarity Camp, and have stated their intention to deny access to the public beach and to the sea, but they have failed to state any reason for this.  This group forms part of a much larger force of Gardai who are stationed in Shell’s compound at Glengad.

Shell to Sea spokesperson Terence Conway said: “Pat O’ Donnell was illegally arrested twice last year from his boat. The Gardai are aware that these were illegal arrests as Pat's boat is not only private property, but also his workplace.  This stance has been vindicated by the fact that Mr. O’Donnell has not been charged, never mind convicted, of any crime from these incidents.”

ENDS

A Mayo Shell to Sea Press release

Notes for editors
1. Pat O’Donnell granted protection by Gardai after boat sinking http://www.corribsos.com/index.php?id=2253