ROSSPORT SOLIDARITY GROUP TAKE ACTION AT VAN OORD’S UK OFFICES

Today (16/06/2009) at 2.30pm a group of ten activists arrived at the UK offices of Van Oord, in Newbury, Berkshire. Van Oord own the dredging vessels operating in Broadhaven Bay, as part of the Corrib Gas Project.

Our intention was to occupy the offices and to deliver a letter to and speak with the UK head of operations, explaining our solidarity with the people of Erris and our objections to Van Oord’s involvement in the project and demanding that they stop their operations there immediately.

We were met outside by police; a local woman told us that they had been there, outside Van Oord’s offices since 11am, with reinforcements arriving at 2pm; at least half an hour before we arrived in the area. It was obvious from the actions of the Police Officers in question that they knew we were coming and had briefed Van Oord.

They refused to let us on to the forecourt and carpark, but were willing, however, for us to stand and sit on the wall and pavement outside.

We unfurled our banners and demanded to speak to highest ranking manager on the premises.

One of our group was allowed to approach the offices and eventually someone claiming to be Van Oord’s UK Manager in charge of Irish operations emerged to speak to her.

A letter and portfolio of photographs was then delivered to him outlining the history of the Corrib Gas Project, the opposition of local residents, and including our demands.

Press releases were sent, a local paper interviewed some of the group, and at 4.pm we left peacefully.
Part of the letter delivered to Van Oord UK

For the attention of Van Oord directors:

We are here today to demand that Van Oord stop all work on the Corrib Gas project immediately. We have come in solidarity with the community of Rossport in County Mayo, Ireland.

Van Oord are currently carrying out dredging works in Broadhaven Bay, Special Area of Conservation (SAC), in preparation for the laying of the off-shore section of the gas pipeline.

The development has no consent from the local community and the negative impacts the project has made on their lives and environment are already huge.

In the last few months the situation in the Rossport area has become increasingly serious. There have been several major attacks on prominent campaigners against the project; these are almost certainly linked to the security company contracted by Shell, IRMS.

Van Oord state that “Safety is a key indicator of our success”. Recent events in Mayo demonstrate a complete disregard for safe working practise.

Van Oord must end its operation in Mayo immediately.