Written answers

Thursday, 13 October 2011

Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Hydraulic Fracturing

2:00 pm

Photo of Thomas PringleThomas Pringle (Donegal South West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 130: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the questions he has asked the Environmental Protection Agency to report on in relation to the process of hydraulic fracturing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29279/11]

Photo of Pat RabbittePat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am aware that concerns have been expressed about the potential impact of hydraulic fracturing on the environment and I take these concerns seriously. To that end, I have requested the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to conduct research and advise on the environmental implications of hydraulic fracturing as a means of extracting natural gas from underground reserves. However, I would point out that my Department has not received applications for, nor licensed the use of hydraulic fracturing in the Irish onshore at this time.

The three onshore petroleum licensing options awarded earlier this year are preliminary authorisations and are designed to allow the companies assess the natural gas potential of the acreage largely based on desktop studies of existing data. Exploration drilling, including drilling that would involve hydraulic fracturing is specifically excluded under these licensing options.

In the event that any of the companies involved decide to apply for an exploration licence that proposed the use of hydraulic fracturing, the application would have to be set out in detail and be supported by an environmental impact statement. The application would then be the subject of an environmental impact assessment which would include a public consultation phase. In assessing the application, my Department would also consult with other relevant statutory authorities such as the EPA and the National Parks and Wildlife Service before reaching any decision.

Photo of Thomas PringleThomas Pringle (Donegal South West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 131: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if any consultation has taken place with him in relation the recent issuing of an exploration license to a company (details supplied) for hydraulic fracturing in County Fermanagh; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29280/11]

Photo of Pat RabbittePat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I can confirm that my Department has had informal contact with the Northern Ireland Authorities in relation to onshore petroleum authorisations in the North West Carboniferous Basin. The petroleum authorisations granted in both jurisdictions are at a very early stage and engagement will continue should these authorisations proceed to the drilling stage.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.