Labour's Cllr Keith Martin says the deployment of the warship LE Orla in Broadhaven Bay as part of the State's security provision for the Corrib gas project "was a gross overreaction by the government which would only escalate tensions and costs in relation to the situation in Rossport."

The patrol ship, LE Orla was stationed in the bay yesterday evening, as Shell E&P Ireland prepares to start offshore pipelaying with its 300m (984ft) ship, Solitaire.
"The fact that protesters have been using canoes to deliver messages to the pipelaying ship and that protesters were preparing to swim out in wetsuits to the ship does not warrant the deployment of a warship in the bay.

"The Gardai have their own speed boats and sub-aqua division and can deal with any breaches of the law. The positioning of the warship LE Orla in the bay is a misuse of our navy and a completely disproportionate reaction. Its like using a hammer to swat a fly. The involvement of the military in any "policing" matter should be a last resort.

"The Government should be de-escalating the situation in Rossport not involving the military. I have asked Labour's Spokespersons on Justices and Defence to take the matter up with the Government."

"I would like to know which Minister is responsible for this decision? Is it Willie O'Dea or Dermot Ahern? Is the next step Tanks on Tara hill?"

Cllr Keith Martin has warmly welcomed the Decision by Natural Resources Minister Eamon Ryan to refuse Prospecting Licences to a company which would have allowed them to search for gold over a large area of South Mayo.