Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)

I support the proposal of my constituency colleague, Senator Susan O'Keeffe, in regard to hydraulic fracturing. It is now becoming apparent that not only is there uncertainty and confusion surrounding the licensing process for this new technology, which involves extracting gas from underground rock, but the current regulatory environment, not only as it applies to this country but also across Europe, in regard to onshore drilling of gas is totally inadequate. It is this concern more than anything else that is exercising the minds of those who are opposed to the concept in its entirety.

While we as parliamentarians and public representatives will continue to press the point that the process works, I am now of the opinion that it is open to question. It is a relatively new technology, only some ten to 15 years in operation, and we all heard the horrific stories coming out of the United States. As such, I support Senator O'Keeffe's proposal. Clarity must be brought to this issue without delay. Among those who braved the elements yesterday to travel from the north west, including from my own county of Leitrim, to protest at the gates of Leinster House, the conclusion was that irrespective of what regulatory regime is introduced, the concept of hydraulic fracturing cannot be adequately monitored in order to ensure there is no injurious environmental impact to the grounds in which the extraction is taking place. While it has been seen as a regional issue thus far, it is one that will not go away. Unless the Government takes this in hand now and begins to offer some clarity, we could end up with another Rossport. That is an outcome no one wants.