28 June 2017
By Bryan T. Smyth
bryan@TheCork.ie
Fine Gael Senator Tim Lombard (from Carrigaline, Co Cork), spokesman on Communications, Climate Action and Environment, said the scientific evidence overwhelmingly shows that permitting fracking in Ireland and Northern Ireland would pose significant threats to the air, water and the health and safety of individuals and communities here.
Cork Senator Tim Lombard
Senator Lombard said: “I welcome that fracking will now be banned in Ireland thanks to the first Private Members Bill to pass through the current Oireachtas by a Government TD- my Fine Gael colleague Tony McLoughlin.
“This law will mean the environment and communities in the West and North West of Ireland will be safeguarded from the negative effects of hydraulic fracking.
“Even though fracking has the potential to provide more oil and gas resources to consumers, the process of extraction has long-lasting negative impacts on the surrounding environment. Air pollution and water contamination due to the toxic chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing are the greatest concerns within fracking sites, while the need for wastewater disposal and shrinking water supplies are also pressing issues directly related to fracking.
“After passing through the Dáil and the Seanad, this Bill will now be signed into law by the President in the coming days.”
