Rossport Solidarity Camp was born in June 2005. It is the first protest camp around an ecological theme to take place in Ireland for several years. The camp began after local opponents of Shell's plan to build an unprecedented high pressure gas pipeline through the hamlet of Rossport invited us there to back up their struggle. A large marquee was erected with a kitchen for cooking and eating, sleeping and meeting, notice boards and info point. Compost toilets and compost heaps were built to deal with organic waste and the rest was recycled. A tipi and a large bender provided more space when needed, as well as smaller tents too. Water in barrels was carried in daily from Vincent Mc Grath's house and locals offered showers and laundry. A wind turbine system was set up to harness wind energy giving electricity to power lights, mobile phones and computers. Many people came to visit and to stay at the camp, from Ireland and Europe and as far abroad as New Zealand, working together in a spirit of commitment, respect and integrity. Decisions were made together at daily meetings. The camps role as part of the campaign was: The struggle has won significant victories: From June 18th onwards there have been no deliveries of construction materials to the compound at Rossport. From June 30th pickets closed the Rossport compound and the refinery construction site at Ballinaboy. In August Shell was forced to cancel the arrival of the Solitaire, one of the world's largest pipelaying ships, due to a planned blockade by fishermen. On September 30th the Rossport Five were released, because of popular pressure. In Spring we are into a new "construction season" when Shell again will try to build this pipeline and refinery, and we need to get the maximum number of people on the ground in Mayo ready to stop this. Bear in mind most of this development was supposed to be built in 2005. |
In March Rossport Solidarity Camp will be re-launched for the 2006 "construction season" - late Spring, Summer, early Autumn. From March onwards we are looking for more people to come to the camp, be it for 3 days, 3 weeks, or 3 months. All are welcome, you don't need to be an "expert", everyone can take part in this, most people who have been on the camp have had as their previous sum total of camping experience the occasional trip to the likes of Witness. Many also have had no previous experience of campaigning.
Contact Details for the Camp:
E-mail
rossportsolidaritycamp@gmail.com
Phone: 097 20944 or 086 3201612
Mailing List- send blank e-mail to rossportsolidaritycamp-subscribe@lists.riseup.net
More details on the camp
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