December 2009

A chara,

Daniel Sexton’s view that the current oil/gas exploration terms are “quite pragmatic” is untenable (December 16th). We are the only country in the world – with the possible exception of Cameroon – that has proven reserves of natural resources which we continue to give away for a pittance.

The story of the controversial Corrib Gas project told through the eyes of locals is expected to reach a world audience thanks to a groundbreaking new documentary.

'The Pipe' follows four protesters as they wage a battle against the Co Mayo refinery through both the courts and the planning process, balanced by the opinions of two locals in favour of the scheme.

It is among several Irish features either in production or ready to hit cinema screens in 2010, including movies with hit stars Colin Farrell, Cillian Murphy and Brendan Gleeson.

EVENTS in Ireland in recent weeks would remind one of the final scenes of Shakespeare‘s King Lear. Even the gods of nature have turned against us as we are made to learn the bitter lessons of our imprudent past. Not only have we discovered that the homes and apartments we bought were over-priced but now it appears many of them were built on swamplands that are susceptible to flooding.

RTE’s Frontline last Monday night made for upsetting viewing. Indeed, all of the television coverage of the recent floods in the West and Midlands has been distressing, especially when one sees footage of people returning to their flooded homes. But last week’s Frontline was more than distressing; it was downright infuriating.

Maura Harrington stated in court "the reality at Glengad is that Justice and the Law are mutually exclusive" and as the general secretary of the Garda Representative Association (GRA), PJ Stone eloquently put it this week, sometimes “justice is worth fighting for”.

Last week (from 7th to 11th Dec) saw a week of special Shell to Sea sittings in Belmullet District Court to deal with campaigners who oppose the Corrib Gas Project. In total 25 people were up in court before Judge Gerard Haughton who had been drafted in for the week. 7 peoples had cases heard, while the other 18 peoples' cases were either introduced or just up for mention.

The week ended with Maura Harrington in jail after she received a 9 month sentence for cutting a net and causing damage of €160. The judge initially suspended the sentence but sent Maura to prison when she refused to be bound to the peace for 2 years. Other sentences included Terence Conway who was banned from driving for 4 years, Pat O Donnell who received a 2 month suspended sentence (suspended for six months) for breach of the peace and Niall Harnett who received a 3 month suspended sentence (bound to the peace for 18 months) for obstruction of a Garda. Martin Harrington received a 5 month suspended sentence for a section 2 assault on a Garda, while Pete Lavelle received a €500 fine - also for a section 2 assault on a Garda. Trevor Houghton received a €400 fine for not leaving the water when told to by a Garda while out on his kayak.