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

The use of fracking as a means of extracting unconventional gas has become more common in recent years yet it remains a highly controversial method of extracting gas. We believe it is totally unsuitable and unsafe on a small island with a dispersed population. The proposed legislation refers to reducing risk to a level that is "as low as is reasonably practicable", but what is reasonable? What is a reasonable risk of fatally damaging our agri-food and tourism industries or the health of our population or wildlife?

Shale gas production is technically complex, capitally intensive and financially expensive. It contributes to the risk of cost overruns for projects. As a result of that, the pressure is on people to get it done and in fast. This can lead to accidents and leakages and may make future developments contingent on certain technological breakthroughs in carbon capture and storage technology.

The fracking process involves pumping large volumes of water, chemicals and sand into the ground, and we do not know what chemicals they are using, in the hope of creating fractures in the earth to release the petroleum. Biocides and dyes are often used in the fracking process and these can have a major impact on the surrounding environment and host communities. The water that is pumped into the wells during fracking is significant. The companies aim to extract this water and dispose of it. Serious questions have been raised as to how much of this water is lost into the soil and the drinking water supply. The water mixed with chemicals is possibly already toxic when it is pumped into the ground and when the flowback is collected it will bring with it more toxins from the very ground it is taken.

Shale gas development can contribute to environmental degradation involving water and air, the social degradation of public health, climate change and the displacement of cleaner forms of energy. We are all aware of studies which are currently under way in this country. The Minister of State is on record as saying no licences will be granted until the EPA report has been received and studied. The Government is telling people not to worry about it but my view, and I will say it at every possible opportunity, is hydraulic fracturing should be banned outright on the island of Ireland.

I would have liked more time to look at this legislation and to think through the possible implications of it. However, I realise the legislation is necessary and needs to be implemented within a specified timeframe. We will therefore not be blocking its passage.

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