The Environment Minister believes that the prospect of fracking in Ireland is effectively dead.
The Environment Minister believes that the prospect of fracking in Ireland is effectively dead.
It's after an EPA report has highlighted potential risks to ground water and air quality as a result the controversial process.
The Loop Head peninsula has been identified as one area where such operations could be successful, but Minister Denis Naughton has poured cold water on this today.
A current ban on fracking in this country is set to continue after an EPA report said there isn't enough information available to ensure the protection of human health.
Project Leader Alan Hooper has told Clare FM that there are concerns about potential risks to ground water and air quality, but that these could be overcome with certain site specific data.
But Environment Minister, Denis Naughton believes the complexity involved in the process effectively rules out any fracking in Ireland.
The Loop Head peninsula has been identified as an area where fracking could be successful, and a UK company, Enegi Oil, has carried out tests there.
The report will now be referred to the an Oireachtas Committee for consideration but one anti-fracking campaigner in Clare believes the study isn't far reaching enough.
A bill permanently banning fracking is progressing through the Dáil and Susan Griffin of Fracking Free Clare says she's more encouraged by this.