Sinn Féin Will Oppose Fracking - Gerry Adams

Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams has said that the party will oppose any application made for fracking.

Mr Adams was speaking at the anti-fracking camp at Belcoo in Fermanagh, where he was joinged by Fermanagh/South Tyrone MP Michelle Gildernew; Michael Colreavy Sligo North Leitrim TD, Sandra McLellan Cork East TD and Phil Flanagan MLA.

Mr Adams said: “Fracking is a significant and dangerous threat to our countryside and to the environment. It can cause serious environmental pollution and damage fish stocks and livestock.

"Fracking is an unsafe method of energy production. It poses a very real risk to the success of our farming industry, and to the health and safety of rural communities, as well as undermining our tourism industry."

Mr Adams went on to say that fracking was "not the answer" for Ireland's energy needs, stating that "Renewable sources of energy must remain the main focus for the future. Tidal, hydro, wind and biomass all have the potential to satisfy Ireland and Europe’s energy demands.”

Commenting on the drilling of a borehole near Belcoo the Sinn Féin leader said: “It isn’t good enough for Tamboran to simply state that the borehole is not for fracking. There is widespread public concern at this move which has been heightened by the Department of Enterprise Trade and Investment’s decision to award the licence without any public debate. 

"The north’s environment Minister is the first line of defence against fracking and he must ensure that Tamboran’s borehole is subject to a full and rigorous planning process, including a statutory environmental impact assessment.

"The people in that area need to be consulted about this borehole and to be given every piece of information available.

"If any application is made for fracking Sinn Féin will be bringing it to the Executive to oppose it."

(MH/IT)