14/11/2011
Sinn Fein Raises 'Fracking' Concerns
The European Commission (EC) has been lobbied over constituency concerns surrounding the use of the controversial gas extraction technique called hydraulic fracturing or 'fracking' as it is more commonly known.
Sinn Fein MEP, Bairbre de Brún has written to the EC after four new licenses were granted allowing gas and oil companies exploratory fracking rights in NI.
Ms de Brún said: "Given the major environmental impacts fracking could potentially have on the local area it is imperative that Environmental Impact Assessments are taken before exploration commences and I have written to the Commission in this regard."
"In America, the use of fracking has been reported as the cause of heavy contamination of drinking water with dangerous gases and chemicals which is clearly a serious concern for public safety and agriculture for any possible projects in Ireland.
"Furthermore, it has been stated by seismologist experts that two earthquakes which happened earlier this year in the northwest of England were connected to the fracking exploration which had begun in the area.
"It is extremely worrying that governments are permitting potentially very dangerous and environmentally unsound gas exploration to take place without full environmental impact assessments and at a time when we should be investing our efforts in searching for clean, safe and renewable energy sources."
(CD/BMcC)
Sinn Fein MEP, Bairbre de Brún has written to the EC after four new licenses were granted allowing gas and oil companies exploratory fracking rights in NI.
Ms de Brún said: "Given the major environmental impacts fracking could potentially have on the local area it is imperative that Environmental Impact Assessments are taken before exploration commences and I have written to the Commission in this regard."
"In America, the use of fracking has been reported as the cause of heavy contamination of drinking water with dangerous gases and chemicals which is clearly a serious concern for public safety and agriculture for any possible projects in Ireland.
"Furthermore, it has been stated by seismologist experts that two earthquakes which happened earlier this year in the northwest of England were connected to the fracking exploration which had begun in the area.
"It is extremely worrying that governments are permitting potentially very dangerous and environmentally unsound gas exploration to take place without full environmental impact assessments and at a time when we should be investing our efforts in searching for clean, safe and renewable energy sources."
(CD/BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
09 May 2019
Concerns Raised Over Fracking Proposal
Representatives from several of Northern Ireland's political parties have expressed concern over a renewed proposal for a fracking licence in County Fermanagh.
Concerns Raised Over Fracking Proposal
Representatives from several of Northern Ireland's political parties have expressed concern over a renewed proposal for a fracking licence in County Fermanagh.
26 March 2024
Environmental Report Highlights 'Failure To Act'
A new environmental report highlights Northern Ireland's failure to act on protecting its environment, Alliance's Environment spokesperson John Blair MLA has said.
Environmental Report Highlights 'Failure To Act'
A new environmental report highlights Northern Ireland's failure to act on protecting its environment, Alliance's Environment spokesperson John Blair MLA has said.
14 March 2024
Other News In Brief
Executive Urged To Step In And Assist Victoria Square Apartment Residents The SDLP has called on the Executive to step in and assist the residents of Victoria Square apartments.
Other News In Brief
Executive Urged To Step In And Assist Victoria Square Apartment Residents The SDLP has called on the Executive to step in and assist the residents of Victoria Square apartments.
08 February 2024
'Major Concerns' Young People Being Priced Out Of Education
The Alliance Party has raises "major concerns" that young people are being priced out of access to Higher and Further Education, following the release of NUS-USI's Cost of Living Survey.
'Major Concerns' Young People Being Priced Out Of Education
The Alliance Party has raises "major concerns" that young people are being priced out of access to Higher and Further Education, following the release of NUS-USI's Cost of Living Survey.
31 January 2024
Alliance Backs Call To Save Health Service Dentistry
The Alliance party has backed an urgent call from 720 dentists to save Health Service dentistry, particularly focusing on the reform of dentist contracts.
Alliance Backs Call To Save Health Service Dentistry
The Alliance party has backed an urgent call from 720 dentists to save Health Service dentistry, particularly focusing on the reform of dentist contracts.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A few fog patches at first, soon clearing to leave a dry day with some patchy cloud and good sunny spells. Light and variable winds. Feeling mild in sunny spells. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:Dry and quite chilly overnight under prolonged clear spells and light winds. This will allow a few fog patches to develop in places. Minimum temperature 2 °C.