Garda resources at Bellanaboy should be redeployed into fight against crime – Ó Snodaigh

mayo | rights, freedoms and repression | press release Thursday October 11, 2007 17:20 by DSF

€8.1million has been spent on the operation to police the protests at Bellanaboy

Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh has slammed the extent
of the Garda operation at Bellanaboy County Mayo after it was revealed
that €8.1million has been spent to date on Garda resources to police
demonstrations against the Shell Gas pipeline. Deputy Ó Snodaigh said
these valuable Garda resources would be better deployed in the fight
against crime.

Garda resources at Bellanaboy should be redeployed into fight against
crime – Ó Snodaigh

For immediate release 11th October 2007

Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh has slammed the extent
of the Garda operation at Bellanaboy County Mayo after it was revealed
that €8.1million has been spent to date on Garda resources to police
demonstrations against the Shell Gas pipeline. Deputy Ó Snodaigh said
these valuable Garda resources would be better deployed in the fight
against crime.

Speaking today he said, “In response to a Sinn Féin Parliamentary
question Justice Minister Brian Lenihan revealed that €8.1million has so
far been spent on the operation to police the protests at Bellanaboy in
County Mayo. It is our understanding that this figure may be even higher
as it may not include all aspects of policing allocations such as
overtime.

“The people of Mayo have the right to protest without being harassed by
an overwhelming and unnecessary force of Gardaí. And make no mistake –
they are not keeping peace in Bellanaboy – they are harassing and
bullying protesters while supporting the multi-national corporation
Shell.

“This is a completely irresponsible and wasteful use of valuable Garda
resources. These resources would be much better used in the fight
against serious drug and gun crime which is claiming lives on an almost
weekly basis. I am calling on the Minister to review the Garda
operation at Bellanaboy with a view to redeploying Gardaí to where they
are most needed.

“There also needs to be a review of existing approaches to policing at
demonstrations. This should include seeking external human rights
expertise to roll out training for all Gardaí engaged in such policing.
Gardaí should always endeavour to engage positively with the organisers
of demonstrations prior to them taking place so that they can be
facilitated with minimal Garda presence.