Ireland has possibly €5.4 trillion worth of oil lying off the west coast, but nothing is being done by the State to claim it or even stake a claim for it.
If the Government could lay claim to this potential pot of ‘black gold’, it would go a very long way towards combating the recession. With this in mind an event, It’s A Gas Day - The Resources of Ireland belong to the People of Ireland, has been organised for the Galway Rowing Club, on Saturday March 7, starting at 3pm.
There will be an exhibition of maps and information showing Ireland, the various seas which surround it, locations of the natural resources, and who has the licenses for where. There will also be a poster exhibition entitled Art Not Oil and an exhibition about Norway and its resources.
It’s A Gas Day will also feature a number of video screenings, including Angus Mitchell’s talk on Roger Casement’s connection with the Niger Delta and its early exploitation by the oil companies; Don’t Let Shell Kill Again, about the Ogoni people’s struggle against Shell; and a screening of a short play by Ken Saro-Wiwa’s theatre company.
From 4.30pm to 6.30pm, the focus will be on women’s role in the struggle against oil companies. Erris women will talk about their experience under Shell. There will be a quiz in the form of ‘Snakes and Ladders’.
One of the main events will be ‘The Big Debate’ between The Irish Times journalist Frank Connolly and Fianna Fáil Galway West TD Frank Fahey. They will debate the motion: ‘Now is the time for the people of Ireland to take ownership and control of the natural resources (oil, gas, etc, ) from the multi-nationals’.
Children are welcome. Refreshments will be basic so those coming should bring additional food. For more information contact Margaretta on 091 - 565430 or email galwayshell2sea @gmail.com
