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06/12/2024
Onshore Oil And Gas Exploration Banned In Northern Ireland
The Northern Ireland Executive has today approved a ban on onshore oil and gas exploration and production, including fracking.
Economy Minister Conor Murphy welcomed the decision, which he said was a significant step towards reaching net zero emissions by 2050.
The Minister added that the decision reflects the overwhelming public support for a ban, as expressed during a public consultation earlier this year.
Minister Murphy said: "This action today takes us a step closer to ending our over reliance on fossil fuels which are at the mercy of unstable global commodity prices. It will help my department focus all its efforts on supporting the development and generation of renewable energy. Today's announcement also brings us into line with other jurisdictions like the south of Ireland and Wales.
"I will introduce legislation to the Assembly to ban onshore petroleum licensing. This will require amendments to the Petroleum (Production) Act (Northern Ireland) 1964 and other regulations."
The Minister concluded: "The time involved in drafting and consulting on the legislation as well as allowing for committee scrutiny means that the legislation will be introduced in late 2025. In the meantime, my department will not accept or process onshore petroleum licensing applications."
Economy Minister Conor Murphy welcomed the decision, which he said was a significant step towards reaching net zero emissions by 2050.
The Minister added that the decision reflects the overwhelming public support for a ban, as expressed during a public consultation earlier this year.
"I will introduce legislation to the Assembly to ban onshore petroleum licensing. This will require amendments to the Petroleum (Production) Act (Northern Ireland) 1964 and other regulations."
The Minister concluded: "The time involved in drafting and consulting on the legislation as well as allowing for committee scrutiny means that the legislation will be introduced in late 2025. In the meantime, my department will not accept or process onshore petroleum licensing applications."
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Nine rescued in separate boating incidents
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Nine rescued in separate boating incidents
Three fishermen have been rescued after their boat capsized in Carlingford Lough in Co Down at the weekend. The men managed to scramble onto the upturned hull of the mussel dredger during the incident at around 2.40am on Saturday. The Belfast Coastguard immediately dispatched a lifeboat to pick up the men.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:This morning will be dry with sunny spells. Remaining dry through this afternoon with sunny periods although clouding over later. Reasonably mild. Brisk southwesterly winds along the Antrim coast. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:This evening will be dry and cloudy. Then the rest of the night will be dry with a good deal of cloud. Brisk southwesterly winds. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
