Concern at ‘deteriorating’ Corrib row

June 15, 2009 by Infowars Ireland

Michael D Higgins: has raised the issue of regulating the security industry in the Dáil

LABOUR PARTY president Michael D Higgins has expressed concern about a “deteriorating situation” with the Corrib gas project in north Mayo, following the sinking last week of a fishing vessel in Broadhaven Bay.

Mr Higgins has said “accurate information” is required for “establishment of fact”.

He has also called on the Government to outline progress on enacting the Private Security Act, 2004, on regulating the security industry, in the light of the vessel’s sinking.

The owner of the fishing vessel, Pat O’Donnell, had expressed fears about his own safety more than a month ago, due to his decision not to sign up to an agreement between Shell and the Erris Inshore Fishermen’s Association on facilitating the laying of the Corrib gas project offshore pipeline in Broadhaven Bay.

Under current legislation, the developer cannot compel fishermen to quit fishing grounds during the pipelaying.

Bord Pleanála is continuing its oral hearing this week on the planning application for a modified onshore pipeline route and land valve, along with compulsory acquisition orders to private land.

Mr Higgins said he wished to know the “status of the existing legislation on the practice of private security companies and what, specifically, is their relationship with the Garda Commissioner”.

He raised the issue in the Dáil on last Thursday’s order of business.

Taoiseach Brian Cowen told Mr Higgins he did not have the information before him, and “must ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to revert to the Deputy on those issues”.

A chronology of events relating to the Iona Isle sinking was issued at the weekend by the legal representatives for Mr O’Donnell, McGarr Solicitors.

Read full article