Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 85: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on a submission (details supplied) regarding hydraulic fracturing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25256/11]

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 86: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding hydraulic fracturing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25337/11]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 85 and 86 together.

No company currently holds an exploration authorisation that permits exploration drilling onshore, including exploration drilling that would involve hydraulic fracturing.

In February of this year, my Department granted onshore Licensing Options to three companies over parts of the Lough Allen and Clare Basins. The Licensing Options are for a two year period from March 2011 to the end of February 2013.

The Licensing Options are preliminary authorisations and are different to exploration licences. The purpose of the licensing options is to allow the companies assess the natural gas potential of the acreage largely based on studies of existing data from previous petroleum exploration activity. This work is largely office/desktop based and does not involve exploration drilling or hydraulic fracturing. The Licensing Options also confer on the companies involved a first right of refusal for an exploration licence over the areas concerned.

By the end of the Option period in February 2013, the companies will have to decide whether to apply for a follow-on exploration licence or relinquish their acreage. In the event that any of the companies involved decide to apply for an exploration licence that proposes hydraulic fracturing, the application would have to be set out in detail and be supported by an environmental impact statement.

My Department would then undertake a full assessment of the application, including an environmental impact assessment and public consultation. My Department would also consult with other relevant statutory authorities such as the EPA, NPWS, Local Authorities etc, in reaching any decision.

Work under these Licensing Options is at an early stage and it is too soon to conclude whether or not these authorisations will proceed to the exploration licence stage.