Dublin Shell to Sea

An information pack on Ireland’s offshore oil and gas and the Corrib Gas controversy, prepared by Dublin Shell to Sea November 2009.

Download a PDF file (46mb) of the information pack.

INTRODUCTION
Natural resources are the primary wellspring of the world’s wealth. Oil and gas in particular have played a central role in economic development since the early 20th century. Ownership and control of these resources have been contested at many historical junctures. The discovery – recent and ongoing – of rich deposits of oil and gas off the west coast of Ireland has visited a conflict on a remote Co Mayo community since the year 2000. Events since then have made this a national issue.

The aim of this pack is to provide information for journalists, public representatives and others about Ireland’s offshore oil and gas and, in particular, the Corrib Gas controversy. Contents include:
• Key facts, figures and map regarding Ireland’s known offshore oil and gas deposits;
• Analysis of the three key issues driving the protest:
• Ireland’s licensing terms for the exploration and exploitation of oil and gas (which Shell to Sea has dubbed ‘The Great Oil and Gas Giveaway’);
• The safety, health and environmental concerns of local residents and supporters;
• Human rights abuses that have taken place surrounding the project;
• Contact details for Shell to Sea spokespeople in Mayo and Dublin;
• List of sources for the information in this pack and for further research.
• Photographs and video footage backing up the information presented (available in digital version of the pack)
• A timeline of the principal events surrounding the Corrib controversy (available in digital version of the pack).

Download a PDF file (46mb) of the information pack.