Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Let us get the facts right. I want people to know the full facts and be fully and properly consulted. We are referring to commercial exploration rather than commercial exploitation of the resource. I reassure everyone that if a hydrocarbon discovery were to be made, planning consent from An Bord Pleanála under the strategic infrastructure Acts would more than likely be required; a safety case would have to be approved by the CER; an integrated pollution prevention control licence would have to be granted by the EPA; a petroleum lease, a plan for development and consent for a gas pipeline would be required; and consent under the Gas Acts would be necessary. In addition, directives establishing a framework for community action would be required; registration, evaluation and authorisation of all the chemicals covered under the REACH directive would be also necessary. There is a complete, accountable and public process in this regard and the Deputies opposite should engage in it.

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