Last updated: 29-06-05, 15:46
Five men from Co Mayo have been jailed for breaching court orders stopping them protesting against a proposed Shell pipeline going through their land.
The five - four landowners and a supporter living in the area - had been served with notices of the proceedings, after Shell was granted a temporary injunction last week preventing named protesters from obstructing access to its compound at Rossport, Co Mayo.
Philip McGrath, Willie Corduff, Vincent McGrath, James Brendan Philbin and Michael O'Seighin were taken to the Bridewell Garda Station after today's High Court decision by Mr Justice MacMenamin
The group has already tried unsuccessful legal action to halt the Corrib gas pipeline route, which comes within 70 metres of residences.
The protesters say Shell does not have ministerial permission to carry out the works, that an independent safety assessment has not been carried out and that the pipeline would present a safety threat.
In a statement this afternoon, Shell said the jailing was "most regrettable" but that the men had "continually obstructed Shell E&P Ireland (SEPIL) from carrying out preparatory work on the Corrib onshore pipeline at Rossport, Co Mayo".
"While today's developments are most unfortunate, SEPIL has undertaken numerous efforts to meet with and reach agreement with this small number of landowners for access arrangements, however, the landowners in question have been unwilling to meet with us."