Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Chairman for giving me the opportunity to contribute, although I am not a member of the committee.

This is a huge issue in Sligo, Leitrim and west Cavan. For many years we have examined the possibility of shale gas extraction and the dangers it would present to communities. There is disappointment that we are consulting on the issue. The majority of those whom we represent - I speak for all of the Deputies who represent the constituency - thought this issue had been put to bed and that we had banned extracting shale gas from the soil, but now we find ourselves here talking about it. We hope we are not stepping backwards but can move forward. It is good, however, to have the opportunity to listen and try to learn something.

How does the notion of examining the extracting of shale gas at a time when as a society we are trying to move away from fossil fuels fit with the Department's position? How does it match its stated strategy to move away from fossil fuels? For most lay people, it does not match and they cannot understand it. Deputy Bríd Smith said it: most people smell a rat. They say individuals with big money and big businesses are pulling the strings behind the scenes. We seek reassurance that is not happening.

Science is fine and we all deal with it, but the people who live in the community must also have a say. How much of the lived experience of ordinary human beings who have lived there for generations has been taken on board because their lives will be affected? Although there are recommendations that certain conditions be imposed on companies which extract shale gas such as sealing the wells, this is a very precarious industry.

The business that might bore for and extract the gas might be bankrupt and gone ten years later but the mess will be left. That also needs to be dealt with. Whose responsibility will it be? Will it be the responsibility of the State to clean up the mess in such a situation? That would be a very regrettable path to go down.

I may have to leave early because I have to go to the Chamber.