An outright ban on fracking has been described as a win for the people of west Clare.
President Michael D.Higgins signed the ban into law last evening, making Ireland only the third european country to do so.
West Clare has previously been identified as an area where fracking could be carried out as Clare FM’s Ben Sweeney reports:
The Prohibition of Onshore Hydraulic Fracturing Bill was last night signed into law by the President Michael D.Higgins following a long campaign by many groups, particulary from the areas of Clare, and Sligo – Leitrim.
Both areas have been earmarked by energy companies as areas where fracking could be successful.
It involves the extraction of Natural Gas from shale rocks by pumping millions of litres of water and fracking fluid into the rock to expand cracks and allow gas to flow out, but serious concerns have been raised about environmental risks.
Chair of Clare Labour Seamus Ryan, who’s party began campaigning for the ban five years ago says it is significant for people living in West Clare.
The Bill was moved through the Oireachtas as a private members bill by Sligo Leitrim TD Tony McLaughlin.
And his party college, Ennis Councillor Johnny Flynn is calling on Clare County Council to enshrine the ban in the County Development Plan.
Councillor Flynn believes its still important to do so.
Ireland is now only the third European country to implement the ban.
Susan Griffin of Frackikng Free Clare, who campaigned for the ban to come into affect, hopes other countries will follow suit.
