Construction of the off-shore pipe is the latest stage in the Corrib gas project. The development has been resisted by local people since 2000 on health, safety and environmental grounds (see www.corribsos.com). Last summer resistance was highly successful and people traveled from across Europe to help the local community in their struggle. Following a successful summer gathering over the bank holiday weekend, attended by around 200 people, the Rossport Solidarity Camp is once again a hive of activity and actions against work are ongoing.

Over the past month, the local community have made a concerted effort to stop work. Shell's construction of a compound at Glengad (the beach where the off-shore pipe is planned to come on land) was resisted from the beginning. Trucks attempting to bring materials to construct the compound were blockaded and occupied and initially the fencing was removed by the community. Shell's response to the resistance was a vicious night time attack on Willie Corduff of the Rossport 5, by Shell security IRMS, while he was blockading a truck .The compound was eventually constructed, but resistance continued. There were several attempts to dismantle the compound by pulling down the fences but the focus of resistance has now moved to the water based work. The ongoing actions have forced Shell to rely on a permanent presence of security and Gardai (police) boats while they are working. So far, neither the security nor the Gardai have been able to prevent activists stopping work.

Ongoing action over the next month is essential if the pipeline laying is to be stopped for the year. The more people and skills present at the camp the more can be accomplished. There are important tasks, on land and sea, for everyone to be involved in whatever your levels of experience. Anyone who is able to travel to Erris should do so as soon as possible and will be made very welcome by the local community and the Rossport Solidarity Camp. Visitors should take tents sleeping bags and water proofs, communal meals are cooked and compost toilets are set up for sustainable living. Go and see this beautiful place.