Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 January 2014
439. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the consultation there has been between authorities in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland regarding plans for test drilling by a company (details supplied) in County Fermanagh, which is reportedly due to begin in the next few weeks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55210/13]
View answerWith regard to the broader issue of unconventional gas exploration, officials in my Department have had regular contacts with their counterparts in Northern Ireland in relation to onshore exploration authorisations in the two jurisdictions. These contacts have facilitated an exchange of information in relation to the nature of the activities that have been licensed and their associated timelines. There has also been a sharing of information in relation to the regulatory processes that apply in each jurisdiction.
The focus of these engagements has been on information sharing and not on seeking to agree a joint north south policy. In the case that a project in either jurisdiction were to advance to the exploration drilling stage then it would be subject to the regulatory processes that pertain in that jurisdiction.
It is the case, however, that the environmental consideration of any proposed project in either jurisdiction will be subject to EU environmental legislation, including the provisions relating to consultation across borders where there could be a potential negative environmental impact in a neighbouring jurisdiction.
It should be noted that both the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) and the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland (GSNI) are members of the Steering Group overseeing the Environmental Protection Agency's comprehensive study on the environmental impacts of Unconventional Gas Exploration and Extraction in Ireland.
With regard to the specific issue of proposed drilling by Tamboran Resources in County Fermanagh, my officials have been informed by their counterparts in Northern Ireland that no application to drill has been received from Tamboran Resources to date.
