An anti-facking delegation, including Belcoo Frack Free, held a meeting in the Houses of the Oireachtas last week and suggested that the Irish Government suspend the granting of exploratory licenses, pointing to the example of Tamboran in County Fermanagh.

Chaired by Sinn Fein Leitrim TD Michael Colreavy, the meeting examined the issue of unconventional gas exploration and extraction using Hydraulic Fracturing in the Lough Allen Basin (which includes Fermanagh, Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Sligo and Roscommon).

Organisers say that Councillors, senators and TDs voiced their support of the antifracking movement, with Fianna Fail TD Michael Moynihan, the party’s spokesman for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources stating that Fianna Fáil was “unequivocally against fracking”, adding: “We need to close this down because this is not the way forward.” Tom White, Chair of Belcoo Frack Free said: “If Denton in Texas, which was the birth place of fracking in America can ban fracking last week, it’s time that we do too.” Eddie Mitchell, Chair of Love Leitrim told the meeting that in Northern Ireland, despite being given three and half years, including one six month extension, Tamboran Resources failed to complete their agreed work programme. He reminded the meeting that the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment Arlene Foster had refused to grant another licence extension and stated that this meant she had no confidence in the company’s ability to complete its work programme.

Mr. Mitchell urged the Irish government to “throw out” Tamboran’s application for an exploration licence in Ireland, stating: “It is time for Tamboran to go.” He added: “After the Irish government rejects Tamborans application, Southern Ireland needs then to hold a proper debate into its energy policy that will ultimately lead to a ban on Fracking.” In his opinion: “The EPA administered research is about facilitating Tamboran’s application and ultimately the roll out of the industry.”