Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 May 2013
252. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if landowners are informed if their land is in a licence option area for hydraulic fracturing; the way they are informed; the timescale in which they are informed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21228/13]
View answerAs I have advised on a number of occasions, if any company were to apply for an exploration licence that proposes hydraulic fracturing their application would be subject to an environmental impact assessment including a public consultation phase.
The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directive plays a central role in the assessment of such applications as it ensures that the public is involved in the decision–making process.
The public consultation phase will afford local community groups and the general public an opportunity to comment on any project and its potential environmental effects, including potential socio-economic impacts before a decision is made.
