Fermanagh fracking licence
Deputy Kenny asked about a Tamboran exploration licence application in Fermanagh near the border after fracking was banned in the State. The Minister said he would check whether his Department had standing on the application and reply.
Mine is also a cross-Border issue, as it happens. In the early days of this Dáil, we banned fracking, fortunately. Deputy Tony McLoughlin, who is behind the Minister, Deputy Richard Bruton, is one of those who were instrumental in that, as was former Deputy Michael Colreavy. Unfortunately, the jurisdiction extends only to 26 counties. A company that got a licence here previously for hydraulic fracking, Tamboran, has recently applied for an exploration licence in County Fermanagh, for a region extending from Beleek right down to Derrylin. Until 5 July, there will be an opportunity for a consultation process. It will be appropriate, in the context of our banning fracking in this State because of the associated environmental concerns, for the Minister's Department to make an application to the North stating we are opposed to the licensing because it will have detrimental environmental consequences for people living in the region.
Comment on this
I will have to check whether my Department has standing in respect of such an application. I will let the Deputy know.