The EPA have launched a public consultation on the proposed Terms of Reference for further more detailed research to be carried out on the potential environmental impacts of unconventional gas exploration and extraction.
Speaking on the launch of the consultation Minister Fergus O’Dowd said that “the detailed research to be commissioned by the EPA will build on other studies and research in this area and will inform future decision-making on any application that proposed the use of hydraulic fracturing in Ireland.” Minister O’Dowd reiterated that until the EPA study has concluded and there has been time to consider its findings the use of hydraulic fracturing in exploration drilling will not be authorised in Ireland.