The Shell to Sea campaign group, which is opposing a controversial gas terminal and pipeline in Co Mayo, says three of its members were injured in a confrontation with gardaí near the site this morning.
The incident took place shortly before 8am when members of the group staged a demonstration on the road at Bellanaboy as a convoy of trucks made its way to the terminal.
A garda spokesman said there was an 'aggressive confrontation' as the protestors were cleared from the road to allow the convoy through.
Shell to Sea has accused the gardaí of using totally excessive force.
It says one of its members has been taken to hospital in Castlebar; two others are being treated by local doctors.
The incident is the first of its kind this year.
Last year there was a series of violent clashes between demonstrators and gardaí as daily protest marches were staged on the road leading to the terminal where construction work is continuing.
