Michael Colreavy (Sligo-North Leitrim, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his reply. However, I am as wise now as I was before I tabled the question. Hydraulic fracturing involves vertical and horizontal drilling. A drill rig might be located 1 km from my home but as a result of the horizontal aspect, drilling could actually occur underneath it. What is the legal position for home owners and landowners in circumstances where this activity is occurring underneath their properties? Do they have the right to object? There is no question of a drilling company entering through a gate because the type of process to which I refer occurs underground. What rights do people have in the context of ensuring the integrity of their lands and homes will not be damaged? What legal protections are in place?

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