This article is from page 19 of the 2014-02-25 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 19 JPG
AN explicit ban on hydraulic fracturing or fracking has not been written into the Clare County Development Plan – more than two year after councilors voted unanimously for its introduction.
A spokesperson from Clare County Council say yesterday that the local authority has taken legal advice on the matter and says that it cannot introduce a ban until the national position on fracking has been made clear.
Fracking Free Clare yesterday urged Clare County Council to move on a fracking ban – saying that both Donegal and Leitrim local authorities have placed a ban on fracking.
“Leitrim and Donegal have managed to amend their County Development Plans so we don’t see what the issue is in Clare,” said Lorraine Hughes of Fracking Free Clare.
“Fracking Free Clare would love to see a similar amendment here in Clare and will keep this issue on the table until there is a complete ban on fracking in Clare and the whole of Ireland.”
A spokesperson from Clare County Council said the County Development plan is “adequate” to deal with the current situation regarding hydraulic fracturing.
“The elected members of Clare County Council unanimously adopted a resolution some time ago to introduce a ban on fracking in the County Development Plan. We have taken legal advice on how best the decision of the Elected Members could be given effect within the planning laws,” said the spokesperson.
“We are also aware that the EPA has been required by Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Pat Rabbitte to undertake a detailed study and research on fracking.
“Until there is a national position on fracking there is little progress that can be made locally. We are also confident that the existing environmental objectives and safeguards in the County Development Plan as it stands are adequate to deal with any issues that arise at present.”