25/07/2014

SF Continue To Oppose Fracking

Sinn Féin has pledged to continue its campaign against controversial fracking.

MEP Martina Anderson has continually supported the people of Fermanagh in opposing fracking measures, which the party believes would have would have a devastating impact on the natural environment.

She said: "That policy is clear and has been ratified at several party Ard Fheiseanna.

"In every elected fora, local councils, the Assembly and the Dáil, Sinn Féin has voiced our opposition to fracking and vowed to block it at the Executive if and when a planning application is made for fracking near Belcoo.

"In the European Parliament I have repeatedly made it clear that Sinn Féin is strongly opposed to tracking. I have consistently voted in favour of mandatory Environmental Impact Assessments for both the exploitation and exploration phases.

"I also submitted my own amendments to European Parliament reports calling for such impact assessments in order to protect our environment.

"That stands in stark contrast to the voting record of other parties from the North in the European Parliament, who have repeatedly voted against plans for mandatory environmental impact assessments.

"Both the DUP and UUP need to explain to the people of Fermanagh and Ireland why they do not support measures to protect our environment from fracking."

(CD/JP)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

12 August 2014
Environment Minister Rejects Fracking Application
Environment Minister Mark H Durkan has rejected an application by Australian mining company Tamboran to drill into Cleggan Quarry at Belcoo in County Fermanagh, as part of an exploration into the potential for fracking at the site.
21 July 2014
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'.
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.
17 April 2012
Fracking 'Safe' Says Report
Fracking for oil and gas is 'safe', so says an independent report published today. The controversial process of drilling for gas and oil has come under attack following the acknowledgment that it can cause mini-earthquakes or tremors but a government-commissioned report has given it a green light.
14 August 2013
Durkan Clashes With Cameron Over Fracking
Northern Ireland's Environment Minister Mark H Durkan has clashed with David Cameron in the Commons, following the PM's statement encouraging the UK population to "get behind" fracking. Minister Durkan responded by saying agreeing to fracking at present would be "reckless and irresponsible".