Tamboran Resources’ Petroleum Licence has not been extended and the fracking company is to take a judicial review against Environment Minister Mark H Durkan's decision on Belcoo quarry AND Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster's decision not to extend their licence.

The fracking company’s ‘drill or drop’ deadline was today andDETI has said that because the company has not fulfilled the terms of its licence, that licence has come to an end.

A spokeswoman from DETI tells Impartial Reporter.com that the six month extension granted to Tamboran in March "was granted by DETI and accepted by the Company, on the basis that it would enable Tamboran to complete Part I of its work programme by September 30, including drilling of a stratigraphic (test) borehole, and to decide whether or not to proceed with carrying out Part II of the work programme within the initial five year term of the Licence (31 March 2016) or to relinquish the licence.” She concluded: “The company has not completed Part I of its work programme and Petroleum licence PL2/10 will expire on 30 September 2014."

On July 21, Tamboran arrived at Cleggan quarry, Belcoo, intending to drill the borehole under 'permitted development rights'. Twenty-two days later, the Environment Minister said drilling could have a significant impact on the environment and ruled that Tamboran would have to make a full planning application with an accompanying environmental statement before drilling at the site.

This evening, a Tamboran spokesman reveals that, following the Environment Minister's decision, the company sought a second extension from DETI to allow them to take a judicial review. DETI refused.

The spokesman states: “Tamboran Resources can confirm that it has instructed its Lawyers to judicially review the decision by the Environment Minister Mark H. Durkan announced on 11th August to reject its submission to drill an exploratory borehole under existing Permitted Development rights.

“The company informed the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI) of its intention to seek a judicial review into the decision by the DOE and requested an extension to its existing work programme to accommodate this course of action.

"After investing in excess of £3 million (US $5 million) to date, we are disappointed that DETI failed to consider the option of a temporary extension pending clarification by the Court as to the timelines for the judicial review.

"This decision as it stands could close the door on a project that could deliver up to 50 years of secure energy supply, in excess of 2,000 jobs and billions of much needed investment in the local economy.

“We have consulted with counsel and we are also moving to a judicial review of DETI’s decision. It would not be appropriate for us to comment further at this stage.”