A gathering of anti-fracking activists has been arranged for this Saturday following last week’s revelation in The Impartial Reporter that fracking company Tamboran plan to drill a borehole for fresh shale samples in the next few months.

Ban Fracking Fermanagh has organised a gathering of activists from across Ireland in The Railway Hotel this Saturday to discuss a plan of work for anti-fracking groups across Ireland for the coming year.

In order to raise awareness about fracking, the organisation of locals who are concerned about fracking, also plan to display banners throughout Enniskillen saying: ‘Happy Christmas from Ban Fracking Fermanagh, Wishing you a Frack Free New Year.” Last week, The Impartial Reporter outlined that Tony Bazley, Regional Director of Tamboran recently told the Northern Ireland Energy Forum that Tamboran will drill a stratigraphic borehole to evaluate the shale gas potential in north west Fermanagh in late 2013/early 2014. It will select test well pad sites in early 2014 and will carry out a 3D seismic survey during this period. Planning permission submissions must be completed by late 2014. If full planning applications have been approved, Tamboran plan to drill test wells in 2015/2016.

In response, spokeswoman for Ban Fracking Fermanagh Claire Falconer says that “any moves to advance high volume hydraulic fracturing for gas in Fermanagh in 2014 will be challenged by local activists”.

A vocal opponent of fracking, the local artist took part in the G8 protest march highlighting local opposition to fracking to the world leaders. She is alarmed at the lack of awareness among the Fermangh community as to what fracking is and how it could potentially damage the environment. She accuses Tamboran representatives of failing to engage with locals and failing to acknowledge the opposition to their plans.

“Despite the huge fears and concerns that fracking has engendered in the local community, following on from their first public information event, Tamboran have ignored the local community,” Claire states. “They have spurned opportunities provided by third parties to enter into any debate with campaign groups. They have treated people with contempt and seem oblivious of the depth of opposition to this industry that exists in Fermanagh.” Responding to Mr. Bazley’s claims that fracking “will not harm” tourism, fishing, agriculture or wildlife, Claire states: “Contrary to Tamboran’s recent spin, fracking threatens to destroy tourism, agriculture and despoil our environment - it threatens the pillars of the local economy.” Ban Fracking Fermanagh have organised the cross-border meeting of activists “to discuss future strategy for 2014” at the Railway Hotel, Enniskillen on Saturday, December 7 at 3pm. Claire concludes: “The meeting will discuss the need for action by public representatives and others to prevent Tamboran from proceeding with any form of ground operations. The meeting is open to organisations and members of the public, North and South.”