Hydraulic Fracturing Policy

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 May 2013

Tuesday, 7 May 2013

Questions (251)

Michael Colreavy

Question:

251. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if Forfás is pre-empting the publication of the Environmental Protection Agency report on hydraulic fracturing by suggesting that the development of a new energy framework to facilitate the development of gas storage and new and diverse sources of gas, for example, fracking to ensure that Ireland has cost effective, secure and diverse electricity fuel into the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21227/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Fergus O'Dowd)

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which is an independent Agency, is in the process of finalising Terms of Reference to engage the appropriate expertise to undertake scientific research into the potential environmental impacts of unconventional gas exploration and extraction. The key questions to be addressed by this research are, whether this technology can be used while fully protecting the environment and human health, and what the best environmental practice in using this technology might be. A report in this regard is not anticipated before early 2015.

In the meantime, the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and I have both publicly confirmed that no application proposing the use of this technology would be considered nor would exploration licences in this regard be granted prior to publication of the EPA report and consideration of its findings.

Statements with regard to the development of new and diverse sources of gas do not alter this position in any respect.