Dr. Eibhlin Doyle:

Drilling is an activity which is not very dissimilar from the drilling some farmers might carry out for water for wells, for example, except that in the case of drilling for exploration it is temporary. In all cases where companies are carrying out drilling they will talk to the landowner. To be honest, many of those who are carrying out that activity, primarily geologists, work out in the country and get on with the rural community. Courtesy at all times is important. They do not go onto any land without the formal permission of the landowner. In that regard, the owner of the property has the right of refusal. While the Bill provides for access, to my knowledge companies tend not to push that legislation.