As Ireland's Courts and political establishment line up to assist Shell and Statoil in plundering Ireland's resources at the other side of the Celtic world there has been a more positive development in a parallel gas pipeline battle.
Communities and protesters, who have been vigorously opposing a controversial pipeline being built across South Wales, have received a major fillip to their campaign to halt the pipeline with a victory in the High Court.
On Friday, a judge struck down the decision made by local authority planning committee last September, determining that a decision to grant planning permission for a terminus being built in Cilfrew, near Neath, was "unlawful".
The construction of the pipeline, which will transport liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Milford Haven to England and will ultimately aim to meet one fifth of the United Kingdoms energy needs has already been disrupted by environmental protests.
The 190-mile (306km) pipeline is viewed by many as posing a danger and environmental risk with Wales once again being used to meet Englands energy requirements.
The battle is not over yet. National Grid are reported to be reviewing the judge's decision ahead of possible appeal.
J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League
31/03/07
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