Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 September 2014
1638. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding fracking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33437/14]
View answerA major research programme directed at examining the potential environmental impacts of hydraulic fracturing was recently commissioned by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The key questions that this research programme, which is to be carried out over a minimum period of two years, needs to answer are:
- Can unconventional gas exploration and extraction projects and operations be carried out in the island of Ireland whilst also protecting the environment and human health? and
- What is ‘best environmental practice’ in relation to such projects and operations?
To this end this scientific research programme is based on the consideration of existing baseline data with respect to groundwater, air and seismicity and the potential implications and mitigations that are required to be considered in order to understand the possible environmental impacts of using this technology and whether or not it can be undertaken in an environmentally protective manner in accordance with the requirements of environmental law.
I can confirm that no decision will be made on any proposal for the use of hydraulic fracturing in exploration drilling as part of an unconventional gas exploration programme, until there has been time to consider the outcome of this EPA research.
In addition I can confirm that any application for an exploration licence that proposed the use of hydraulic fracturing as part of an unconventional gas exploration programme would be subject to an environmental impact assessment, including a public consultation phase. Any such environmental impact assessment would be informed by the findings of the research commissioned by the EPA.
