Energy Company To Drill Fracking Borehole

The Tamboran energy company has notified the Department of Environment that it intends to drill an exploratory borehole in County Fermanagh to see if the area is suitable for the controversial process known as 'fracking'.

The move has come despite assurances from Environment Minister Mark H Durkan that no fracking will take place before a study has been carried out into the potential risks caused by the process.

Minister H Durkan said: "There is no planning application with DOE to frack. I have been consistently clear on this issue: granting permissions relating to fracking operations will only take place when it has been supported by very strong evidence which indicates that fracking is safe for public health and the environment. No decisions have been taken in relation to permitting fracking. No planning application or applications for environmental permissions have yet been received by my Department and any future applications will be considered in a very robust manner.

"The energy firm Tamboran today notified my Department of its intention to drill an exploratory borehole in Fermanagh. Under planning rules, this type of exploratory drilling may fall under 'permitted development'. However, before the company is given permission to proceed, a full screening process under the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations will be required to ensure that there is no potential for significant environmental impact. I will ensure that this screening process is rigorous and definitive before permitted development rights are considered.

"If any aspect of this development is likely to have a significant environmental impact, permitted development rights will not apply. I have instructed officials to consider carefully whether or not these rights apply and I will make a statement about the Department’s decision in due course."

Sinn Féin Energy Spokesperson Phil Flanagan said: "The licence awarded to Tamboran was handed out by DETI without any kind of public discussion or debate. This proposal must be subject to a statutory planning application to allow local people and experts to have their say on the proposal.

"I am calling on the Environment Minister Mark H Durkan to ensure that this proposal be subject to the full planning process, including a statutory environmental impact assessment. That has always been the case with such applications to date and there must be no easing of the regulatory burden in this instance."

(IT/CD)