Martin Ferris (Kerry North-West Limerick, Sinn Fein)

We have both had fracturing in the past, although, unlike the Minister, I am not in denial.

With regard to the Lough Allen project, in particular hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking", as it is known, is the Minister aware of the international concerns in regard to this exploration methodology? In particular, in a number of areas where this methodology was used, such as Louisiana and Texas in the United States, the consequences for people living in the areas were serious due to the detrimental effect it had on the water table, which it contaminated to the point that the water was not useable and residents could not continue living in their own houses. If the Minister is aware of this, he will agree there needs to be a public investigation at least into the consequences of adopting this exploration methodology.

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