TV3 airs award-winning documentary about the Corrib Gas Controversy.

For further information:

Sharon McHugh
TV3 PRESS OFFICE
+3531 419 3430 / 087 922 4143
sharon.mchugh@tv3.ie
publicity@tv3.ie

Ciara Byrne
+353 1 419 3329 / 087 3199732
ciara.byrne@tv3.ie

TV3 GROUP RELEASE                                                                               

IMMEDIATE: Friday, 21st March 2014.

 

 

TV3 airs award-winning documentary about the Corrib Gas Controversy.

 

TV3 will air the award-winning, eye-opening documentary ‘The Pipe’ on Wednesday 26th March at 10pm.

 

This hour long compelling programme recounts the Rossport community’s strife caused by oil giant Shell’s controversial Corrib gas project.

 

The Pipe airs Wednesday 26th March at 10pm on TV3.

 

Interviews with Director Richie O'Donnell available on request.

 

Video link is available on request.

 

TV3 will air the award-winning, eye-opening documentary ‘The Pipe’, which tells the story of a rural community of Rossport in Co. Mayo, who have been battling the oil giant Shell over their plans to put a dangerous raw gas pipeline through the community and complete construction of a gas processing terminal that is a threat to their delicate environment. This led to a dramatic clash of cultures where a small community came into direct conflict with one of the world’s most powerful oil companies. When the citizens look to their State to protect them, they found that the government has put Shell’s right to lay a pipeline over their own.

 

Five local men, known as the ‘Rossport five’, spent 94 days in jail rather than let the proposed Shell pipeline go ahead. The once peaceful area is immersed in conflict and violence as Gardai forcefully shut down their non-violent protests with baton charges and arrests. The programme captures the anxiety and anger felt by the residents as well as their connection to the local environment, and the spirit, humour and courage that strengthens them.

 

The Pipe features interviews with Colin Joyce of Shell Ireland; Willie Corduff, a local farmer and one of the Rossport Five; Pat O'Donnell, a local fisherman; Gerry Coyle, a County Councillor for the area (Fine Gael); Eoin O'Leidhin and Diane Amber, activists with the Shell-to-Sea group; Terence Conway, a spokesperson for the Shell-to-Sea group; and Niall Harnett, who co-ordinates the solidarity camp in the area.

 

Local farmer and one of the Rossport Five, Willie Corduff believes that this will stay with Rossport for generations.

 

“It’s the sadness too that gets to you. It’s not actually what you’re doing, it’s just how sad it is to see all these guards beating local people and pushing local people against rocks, people they know and people they know that are harmless people.

 

“It will never be the same like never, never. There’s a mark left on the community that will never be healed I think. I mean it will be there forever more forever more to throw back at them what they did and it will be our families will be casting to their families how they abused us and I think that’s going to be in the community for a long, long time.”

 

The Pipe airs Wednesday 26th March at 10pm on TV3.

 

Images have been sent to your picture desks

 

ENDS

 

For further information
Jean O’Donovan

Press & Publicity Assistant

01 419 3428

 

Sharon McHugh
Head of Press & Publicity

087 922 4143

publicity@tv3.ie                        
www.tv3.ie

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