Thursday, 9 January 2025
Home Topics Climate Northern Ireland moves to ban fracking
ClimateEconomyEmissionsNatural GasNewsOilPoliticsRegulations

Northern Ireland moves to ban fracking

36
Northern Ireland Economy Minister Conor Murphy (PA)
Northern Ireland Economy Minister Conor Murphy. — PA

Stormont ministers have backed a ban on fracking in Northern Ireland.

The Executive endorsed a proposal tabled by Economy minister Conor Murphy to prohibit onshore oil and gas exploration and production in the region.

Also known as hydraulic fracturing, fracking is a controversial process by which liquid is pumped deep underground at high pressure to fracture shale rock and release gas or oil trapped within it.

POLITICS CostofLiving
PA Graphics

After Thursday’s meeting, Mr Murphy said the move took Northern Ireland a step closer to ending its reliance on fossil fuels.

“I welcome the Executive’s collective commitment to tackling our ongoing dependence on fossil fuels,” he said.

“Reaching our net zero target by 2050 is both a legal requirement and a moral obligation which is why decarbonisation is central to my economic plans.

“I have listened to what the citizens across the north have had to say on this issue through the public consultation earlier this year and they overwhelmingly supported my proposal to ban onshore petroleum exploration and production.

“This action today takes us a step closer to ending our over reliance on fossil fuels which are at the mercy of unstable global commodity prices.

“It will help my department focus all its efforts on supporting the development and generation of renewable energy. Today’s announcement also brings us into line with other jurisdictions like the south of Ireland and Wales.

“I will introduce legislation to the Assembly to ban onshore petroleum licensing. This will require amendments to the Petroleum (Production) Act (Northern Ireland) 1964 and other regulations.”

Mr Murphy added: “The time involved in drafting and consulting on the legislation as well as allowing for committee scrutiny means that the legislation will be introduced in late 2025.

“In the meantime, my department will not accept or process onshore petroleum licensing applications.”

There are no active licences currently in operation in Northern Ireland.

Related Articles

FILE PHOTO: A Volkswagen ID.5 electric car is displayed at a showroom of a car dealer in Reze near Nantes, France, November 13, 2023. REUTERS/Stephane Mahe/File Photo
AutomotiveElectric Vehicles (EVs)Transport

Volkswagen brand deliveries fall 1.4% in 2024

Battery-electric vehicle sales came to just over 383,000, down from 394,000 last...

FILE PHOTO: The Polestar 4 electric SUV is displayed at the New York International Auto Show Press Preview, in Manhattan, New York City, U.S., March 27, 2024. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid/File Photo
Electric Vehicles (EVs)Transport

Polestar raises hope as order intake rises

The company reported retail sales of 12,256, up from 11,640, and a...

The body of the last pickup truck to be manufactured at the General Motors' GM.N factory in Ecuador, which will stop production amid pressure from competitors but still sell vehicles in the country, is pictured, in Quito, Ecuador September 2, 2024. REUTERS/Karen Toro/File Photo
AutomotiveBusinessElectric Vehicles (EVs)PoliticsTradeTransport

Trump’s tariff threat spurs auto suppliers to rethink production plans

The auto industry has already experienced eight years of U.S. protectionism.

FILE PHOTO: The BP logo is seen at a BP gas station in Manhattan, New York City, U.S., November 24, 2021. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly/ File Photo
BusinessFuelNatural GasOil

BP projects 44% jump in oil output from India’s largest field, ONGC says

The increase in production is expected to begin in the next fiscal...

Login into your Account

Please login to like, dislike or bookmark this article.