Man scales drilling rig in Co Antrim oil drill protest

The force issued a statement after the latest demonstration at Woodburn forest, just outside Carrickfergus in east Antrim, took a dramatic turn.

The demonstration saw protestors carry out a “slow walk” protest ahead of an equipment convoy, during which a man scaled a drill rig, forcing the convoy to stop.

The PSNI said afterwards that a man, 57, was arrested on suspicion of the public order offence of “obstructive sitting”.

The man was bailed.

He has not been charged.

It is the second arrest in connection with protests at the site in recent months.

On February 18, a man in his 50s was arrested. Police said he was given “a fixed penalty notice for disorder”.

Demonstrators at the site have been angered by plans by English firm InfraStrata to drill a borewell to look for oil in the forest, close to a series of drinking water reservoirs.

Some have raised safety fears around the chemicals used in the drilling process.

Both the firm and NI Water (which leased the land to InfrasStrata) have said there is no danger to the water supply.

One controversial aspect of the project – which is currently the subject of a judicial review – is that it has been allowed to proceed without any planning application being submitted, on the grounds that it falls under the category of “permitted development”.

For further details of the case, and the stances of all the main parties on the matter, click this link.

A statement from Chief Inspector Stephen McCauley said: “As drilling equipment was being transported to the site at Woodburn Forest this morning, protestors carried out a ‘slow walk’ protest ahead of the convoy during which a male climbed onto the vehicle and scaled the rig.

“This action forced the convoy to stop, obstructing the highway and meant police were required to close the road to ensure the safety of the public, protestors and road users.

“Officers were also concerned for the safety of the male aboard the rig as well as the potential for public order issues to arise.

“Access for residents, those providing home health care provision, Royal Mail and other delivery and business workers is being facilitated.

“Police remain at the location to ensure there is no breach of the peace and to facilitate peaceful protest.

“While the majority of protest activity to date has been well within the law, the recent actions of some protestors have gone beyond what can be accurately described as ‘peaceful and lawful protest’.

“Where offences are being committed or where actions may lead to a breach of the peace, it is incumbent upon police to intervene and address these issues as they occur.”

The road has reopened at time of writing.

East Antrim MP Sammy Wilson has blasted the protestors – although his party headquarters have taken a milder stance.