Recently a bill to outlaw fracking was put forward in Dáil Éireann by Fine Gael TD Tony McLoughlin.
Fracking is also known as hydraulic fracturing, it is a controversial way to extract natural gas that is trapped in shale rock, a couple of miles underground. Fracking is the process of drilling down into the earth before a high-pressure water mixture is directed at the rock to release the gas inside.
Water, sand and chemicals are injected into the rock at high pressure which allows the gas to flow out to the head of the well. The process can be carried out vertically or, more commonly, by drilling horizontally to the rock layer and can create new pathways to release gas or can be used to extend existing channels. The term fracking refers to how the rock is fractured apart by the high pressure mixture.
An investigation by The Clare Herald sought the views of the County’s four elected TD’s on the controversial issue.
Joe Carey:
“I welcome the introduction of the Prohibition of the Exploration and Extraction of Onshore Petroleum Bill 2016 in the Dáil. I am well aware of the genuine concerns, particularly in rural communities such as in my own Clare constituency about the use of the technology known as “fracking”, and the fact that it could have negative impacts on the environment and human health. I take such concerns extremely seriously.
“In recent weeks, I have received a large number of representations from constituents right across County Clare. Significant local and global impacts are associated with the fracking industry. Fracking threatens public health, the environment, tourism and farming and contributes to climate change. County Clare depends very much on the agriculture and tourism industries. If fracking is not banned, there would be a detrimental impact on these industries in County Clare and other counties”.
Dr. Michael Harty:
“We have an obligation to protect the integrity of our Irish landscape and in Co. Clare we have been gifted with many unique geological features of great beauty. Fracking and natural beauty do not coexist happily. Heavily trucks trundling over narrow roads, threats to our underground water supplies and problems with fracking waste water on the surface are but some of the dangers associated with hydraulic fracturing.
“In 2012, Fáilte Ireland asked almost 1,000 holiday makers what appealed to them about West Clare. 85% said Irish music and dance, another 85% said exploring the flora and fauna and 83% said exploring the geology. The very thought of setting down a messy fracking operation in this area sends out all the wrong signals. If we were so foolish as to allow a company to establish an operation, not only would be have worry about the actual damage which the fracturing might do, but also I believe the damage to the image of the county would be incalculable. Perception is important, tourism is a fickle business and a good tourism season one year is no guarantee that it will be repeated. We need to mind the golden goose.
“This is not an abstract concern. In my own constituency, the Government awarded the UK company Energi Oil an Options Licence in 2011 to explore fracking in Clare. No licence to drill has been granted anywhere in the Republic as Government awaits the report from the Environmental Protection Agency. In 2012 members of Clare County Council have already expressed their opposition to fracking. When the EPA report is published I will carefully consider the contents. I must also listen to the voices of my constituents and be attentive to their welfare. There is also the obligation to pass on the land and landscape of Ireland to the next generation with the least possible damage”.
Timmy Dooley:
“Fianna Fáil has consistently opposed any attempt to introduce fracking into Ireland. At both local authority, and Oireachtas level, we have made it abundantly clear that we felt it had no place in Ireland.”
“I am disappointed by Minister Naughten’s attempts, on behalf of Fine Gael, to filibuster on this bill. As a rural deputy, he should know the depth of feeling among rural communities on this, and he should be doing everything he possibly can to end it once and for all. Fracking is not necessary in Ireland, and would, if allowed, cause considerable environmental damage to rural communities up and down the country.”
“The Government’s attempts to defer and delay this important piece of legislation smacks of old politics. Their amendment is classic, old school politics, and people will see it for what it is. We cannot risk our environment for the sake of short term benefit. Future generations of Irish people would not thank us.”
“We need to be more creative about how, and where, we generate sources of electricity and heat. As I’ve said before, the country that masters its own energy needs is the country that will master its future.”
Pat Breen:
“Ireland is too small for fracking. It is very different in the US where there are vast areas of land with no population.
“The risk posed to the environment by fracking is too great, and therefore we must continue to look at alternative energy supplies.”