O'KEEFFE CALLS ON MINISTER TO DEBATE FRACKING

Sligo North Leitrim Senator has called on Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Pat Rabbitte TD to come to the Seanad to debate the prospect of hydraulic fracturing (fracking).

Senator O’Keeffe hosted a briefing yesterday (Tuesday 14th February) given by Tamboran Resources to members of the Oireachtas. The briefing was organised to allow the public representatives to address the concerns of their constituents directly to Tamboran, the company which is seeking licence to drill for shale gas in Fermanagh and Leitrim.

“I am calling on Minister Rabbitte to come to the house for a debate on the possibility of fracking in the North West. There are many questions around regulation and the licencing process that has led to uncertainty around the issue that are adding to people’s genuine concerns.”

“It is important that all the information is in the public arena. I have tried to facilitate this and will continue to do so. The process of the application for licences must be transparent and the people of the region must be engaged in the process from start to finish.”

“I have received many representations from constituents and I want the opportunity to put their concerns and queries to the Minister directly in the Seanad.”