Two anti-Shell protesters were before the holiday sitting of Ballina District Court on Wednesday for public order charges arising out of alleged incidents that took place at Ballinaboy, Barnatra, Ballina, on August 1 —the location where a giant tunnel boring machine, which was on the way to the Corrib gas terminal, was struck at a crossroads.
Maura Harrington, Doohoma, Belmullet, is also charged with dangerous driving and two separate public order charges which allegedly took place at Bellagelly South, Glenamoy, Ballina, on August 3.
The four public order charges which Harrington faces are two Section 8 charges—that of failing to comply with the direction of the gardaí, and two Section 9 charges—that of wilful obstruction.
Harrington told the court that her solicitor Alan Gannon could not attend court that day, and she made an application to Judge Conal Gibbons for Gary Doyle orders (copies of all statements and evidence from gardaí ) in relation to the two dates. The orders were granted by Judge Gibbons.
The second defendant, Izzy Ní Ghraidm, Rossport Solidarity Camp, Aughoose, Pullathomas, faces two public order charges—failing to comply and wilful obstruction. The defendant who is in receipt of income support and housing benefit from the UK was granted legal aid by Judge Gibbons.
Judge Gibbons remanded both defendants on continuing bail to Belmullet District Court on September 12 for mention.
