THE GARDA Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) will discuss policing issues relating to the Corrib gas project at the Government’s community forum for development in northwest Mayo early next week.
GSOC head of communications and research Kieran FitzGerald will attend the forum, convened at the Corran Buí health centre in Erris by Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Éamon Ó Cuív and Minister for Energy Eamon Ryan.
Mr FitzGerald has also agreed to attend a People’s Forum in Belmullet at the invitation of Shell to Sea. The GSOC has been handling a number of complaints about policing related to the Corrib gas project in Erris since work resumed on the Corrib gas refinery in October 2006.
It confirmed this week that it recommended that disciplinary action be taken against a senior member of the Garda in relation to the handling of a protest at Pollathomas, Co Mayo, in June 2007.
That recommendation has been with the Garda Commissioner since mid-July. Copies of the GSOC decision are being reissued to 14 complainants who had their cases deemed admissible. At least five of the 14 did not receive the decision, which the GSOC says it posted out on July 14th.
The community forum, which was established by the two Ministers in November 2008, is chaired by former Department of Justice secretary general Joe Brosnan. It last met earlier in the summer, and intends to hold its latest session on Monday afternoon.
Two community groups, Pobal Chill Chomáin and Pobal Le Chéile, have so far declined to participate in the forum due to its terms of reference. Shell to Sea is also not participating.
The Pro-Gas Mayo Group has been represented.
Some €750,000 in community projects in the Erris area were recently approved by the two Ministers. However, Shell to Sea has said the issue is not about “loot” but about health and safety issues relating to the Corrib gas project.
The Government forum will discuss policing issues with the GSOC, and will also discuss the consent procedure for the project and hear updates from Shell EP Ireland.
An Bord Pleanála’s decision on the modified route for the onshore gas pipeline is due to be delivered next week. A resumed court hearing will also take place next week on the contempt of court ruling against Shell, issued in early September in relation to the Rossport commonage.
The modified pipeline route runs through the commonage.
