Ógra Shinn Féin Activists Arrested

Ógra Shinn Féin National Organiser, Barry McColgan has condemned the arrest of two teenage activists who are members of the youth movement.

On Sunday 11th March the two Ógra Shinn Féin activists were arrested after breaching security at a Shell Depot in Letterkenny and scaling an Oil Container. The two activists then draped a banner from the container which read ‘Shell Chun Sáile – Shell to Sea’.

Within minutes the Gardai were on the scene and forced both off the containers. As the teens were being handcuffed verbal abuse and derogatory remarks were directed at them by members of the Gardai. Whilst in the barracks both teens were asked to sign statements accusing the teens of ‘trespassing’.

One of those arrested was held for two hours whilst the other Ógra activist was held for four and a half hours. Both men have been informed that they are to be charged with trespassing on private property.

Commenting on the arrests Barry McColgan of Ógra Shinn Féin said,

“I commend both Ógra Shinn Féin activists for bringing the message of Shell To Sea to the streets and people of Letterkenny. Speaking to both activists it is clear that their protest was noticed and both were in high spirits as motorists totted their horns in support of their cause."

"However, we have seen yet again the typical nature of the Gardai and state forces in standing shoulder to shoulder with large multi national companies who exploit the Irish workforce and reap Ireland ’s natural resources to line their own pockets. It is worth remembering Ireland's resources do not belong to Shell or indeed Bertie Ahern to give away, but to the Irish people."

"Ógra Shinn Féin will continue to stand by the people of Co. Mayo and in particular Rossport and we will stand up against shell and their allies in the Dublin government. The clear message must be sent out to the Irish People- Shell To Hell - Shell To Sea."