Irish police protect gas workers

James Helm
BBC News, Dublin

Shell wants to pump gas through a pipeline

A large police operation has begun in the west of Ireland to allow construction workers to enter the site of a gas terminal.

People opposed to the building of a gas pipeline by Shell through rural County Mayo have managed to block construction at the site for more than a year.

They say the pipeline could endanger local people, as it would pass close to a number of homes.

However, Shell insists the pipeline will be safe.

Approach roads around the remote rural site have been sealed off.

From early morning large numbers of police tried to ensure that workers could get in despite the efforts of protesters.

Bitter dispute

This has been a long-running and bitter dispute and work has only resumed at the site this week after a deadlock of more than a year.

On Tuesday, police removed more than 80 people to clear the way for staff to enter the plant.

Last October, five local men who had been jailed for their part in protests against Shell's plans were released from prison in Dublin after large protests across Ireland.

Shell wants to pipe natural gas from the Atlantic Ocean across a stretch of peat bog to an onshore terminal.

Campaigners, including many local residents, say the pipeline could endanger local people as it contains high-pressure, unrefined gas and it would pass close to a number of homes.

Shell insists, however, that the pipeline will be safe and this year a safety review said work could go ahead if certain guidelines were followed.

Protesters say they will continue to fight the plan.