12/10/2012

No 'Fracking' Decision Until 2014

Minister of State for Natural Resources Fergus O’Dowd has told the Dáil it would be 2014 before a decision would be made on commercial shale gas exploration, also known as “fracking”.

He said that it would be take that long for further research on the controversial issue to be published.

Adding that until there was time to consider the research, “I confirm the use of hydraulic fracturing in exploration drilling will not be authorised”.

The Minister was responding to Sinn Féin Sligo-North Leitrim TD Michael Colreavy in whose constituency exploration company Tamboran Resources conducted research, which it said showed the existence of a substantial natural gas field.

(H)


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