Gardaí force digger through to pier

Yesterday afternoon Gardai violently removed protesters attempting to stop the illegal instalment of a Shell portacabin on the land of publican Paddy McGrath near Pollathomais, Co Mayo (see initial newswire report of the assault). This afternoon a letter from Mr McGrath's solicitors giving persons responsible for the cabin until 2pm to move it, advising that the failure to do so would result in an injunction. A full report on events of the last two days follows.

At approximately three o clock yesterday afternoon, an excavator and a jeep towing a metal portacabin arrived at McGrath’s pub Pollathomais accompanied by a number of Gardai and attempted to enter onto land belonging to the pub owners. They told Mr McGrath they were going to place the portacabin down by the pier on what is his land, accessing through a private roadway. No prior contact had been made with the landowners about this. It was put to Mr McGrath as a statement rather than a request and when he asked who wanted it installed and why he received no answer.

And never, go deo, will you win with your corporate way.

There is currently a stand-off between approximately 40 locals and 20 Gards and a bulldozer on the land of Paddy and Bridget McGrath -owners of a pub in Pullathomas.

From 17.00 today (11/06/07) there has been a stand-off between approximately 40 locals and 20 Gards and a bulldozer on the land of Paddy and Bridget McGrath -- owners of a pub in Pullathomas. They also own land down to the estuary near the proposed Shell pipeline where the authorities are attempting to gain access. There has been no mention by the authorities of compulsory acquisition or purchase orders nor have they asked permission to gain access to land. They have simply turned up claiming that they are attempting to build a car park (?!)- a superintendent is said to be on the way. Any local support would be helpful ASAP.

It seems that Rural Planning Services, the company Shell have contracted to find a new pipeline route, have tried to install a container on the bank of the estuary near the solidarity camp at Glengad. A large force of Gardaí have been used to push local people back. It is reported that some of those protesting are the land owners, whose permission had not been sought for the work.

At least one person has been arrested, handcuffed, and taken from the scene.

Updates will follow.

Terence Wheelock's Father and Brothers, 2006. Photo by Michael Gallagher.

Terence Wheelock was taken into custody on the 2nd of June 2005. The twenty year old man left Store Street station in a coma never to recover from the injuries that he received there and died in September 2005. His family is still waiting for an adequate explanation for what happened on that day in Store Street. The Gardai claim that Terence’s injuries were sustained while attempting suicide but the Wheelock family have disputed this and have launched a high profile campaign for an independent inquiry into Terence Wheelock’s death.

The demand for an inquiry is both reasonable and fair in light of the information that has come into the public domain since June 2005. Many of the details of the events surrounding Terence Wheelock’s death have been well documented on Indymedia, and in The Village. More recently the case has received attention from the Sunday Tribune and a number of other mainstream media outlets. Nonetheless, it is worth reiterating some of the most striking features of the case. For instance the cell where Terence Wheelock fell into a coma was immediately renovated before it could be inspected by the family’s legal team. The clothes Terence was wearing that day, which were later found to be blood spattered, were taken away by the Gardai and left in conditions that undermined the value of the garments as forensic evidence. Custody records in the station were inexplicably amended and numerous other inconsistencies have been noted in the Garda version of events. Moreover, witnesses who were at Store Street and who later appeared at the Coroner’s Court have questioned the Gardai’s account of what took place. Even more significantly the Gardai’s assertion that Terence Wheelock had no marks or bruises on his body when he was in custody has been flatly contradicted by photographic evidence obtained by the family from the Mater hospital which clearly shows extensive bruising and lacerations all over the young man.

The Campaign for Justice for Terence Wheelock is holding a peaceful protest this Saturday the 9th of June to mark the second anniversary of Terence Wheelock’s arrest and his subsequent death and to renew their call for an independent inquiry. The protest will meet at Sean McDermott Street church at 1 pm and then move to Store Street.

Related Links: Motion for Wheelock Inquiry Passed by Dublin City Council | Community and Family March on the First Anniversary of Terence Wheelock's Death. | The Wheelock Family move out of Summerhill after continuing Garda intimidation | Campaign of intimidation against family of Terence Wheelock continues | June 2006: Justice For Terence Wheelock Protest at Store Street Garda Station | Fighting for Justice; Fighting for the truth: an interview with the Wheelocks May 2006: Wheelock Family Attacked by Gardai | Another death caused by Garda Hospitality? - The parents of John Moloney demand an independent inquiry

Solidarity demonstration by Belfast Anti-war

The case of two éirígí members who face charges related to the recent visit of British war-criminal Tony Blair to Ireland was adjourned in a Belfast court yesterday .

Cormac Ryan and Scott Masterson were arrested along with éirígí member Dominic McGlinchey during the RUC/PSNI attack on peaceful protesters at Stormont Castle on the May 8th, 2007.

Demonstrators had gathered at the Belfast venue to ensure that Blair was not lauded as a peace-maker in Ireland while his troops continue to kill with impunity in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The three activists face a string of public order and assault charges, despite the fact that no evidence has been produced to back up the RUC/PSNI claims.

The next court date for the three has been set for June 29th.

Members of the Belfast Anti-War Movement, joined by activists from other parts of the country, gathered outside the court in a show of support that was warmly received by members of the public. éirígí spokesperson Daithí Mac An Mháisitír thanked those who turned out to show support for the accused activists.

“The solidarity that the lads have received since their totally unjustified arrests has been great to see. It’s a credit to people for seeing through the RUC/PSNI spin. Cases like this one are important to win. Not least because we need to ensure the right to peaceful protest, free from the fear of assault and arrest. June 29 has been set as the next court date and we hope people will turn out in sufficient numbers to make it clear that the casual brutalisation and judicial fit-up of political activists is not acceptable.”

Stop before it's too late.

Five people locked themselves together in front of the Sramore peat deposit site, used by Shell to deposit the peat from the Bellanaboy refinery site near Rossport. The Gardai arrived at 7.18. As of 7.20, they didn't know how to respond. The banner that the protestors hung across the road says: “Stop before it’s too late”. The five hour blockade of the gates of the shell plant in mayo this morning ended peacefully, with trucks prevented from entering or leaving until approximately midday.

The group of people used layered pipes and concrete to lock arms this morning. The fire brigade was called in to remove the protest. Five people are now being held in Belmullet garda station , as of yet no one has been charged and supporters have made their way to Belmullet to show solidarity with those being detained. There are no reports of any injuries, although a medic supporting the protestors is reported to have been dragged by the hair.

At 7.34 a second Garda van arrived.

At 7. 37, Garda MY 23 gave a warning, that this was private property and to get off the road. Garda MY 165 is filming.

At 7.38, a third Garda Car arrived, meaning there are currently 15 Gardai here, with MY 161 taking photos and Superintendant Gannon in charge.

7.41 Gannon has removed the banner. All the lower ranking cops are calm, he seems irate – they have been informed of the risks of attempting to unlock people. Media contact and for confirmation: Caoimhe – 087 7564750..DETAILED UPDATE: Inspector Gannon: "Peaceful my arse you cunt" UPDATE 14 JUN 2007: The court date of the five has been adjourned to 11 JUL 2007