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14/11/2016
SDLP Propose Fracking Ban Legislation
The SDLP has announced new legislation calling for an outright ban on all exploration and extraction of shale gas through hydraulic fracturing across NI.
Announcing the proposed legislation, Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA Richie McPhillips, said: "Since becoming an MLA in May this year, it became clear very quickly that the issue of fracking hasn't gone away. I have engaged with individuals, organisations and stakeholders who all have the same concerns of the damaging effects shale gas extraction can have on the environment and on local communities.
"Former SDLP Minister Mark H Durkan made some massive strides to ban fracking in policy through the SPPS. However, we have seen the current Tory Government intervene to overturn Lancashire Councils decision to reject an application for exploration of shale gas.
"The Tory Government are also proposing a compensation scheme for households in England but no amount of compensation can remedy the irreversible damage caused to the environment and local communities. Therefore, legislation and law is the only way that Northern Ireland's interests can be protected and that is why I have tabled a Private Members Bill."
He continued: "Scotland has now moved to ban fracking while there are currently proposals put before the Dáil in the South to introduce a similar ban. In this sense, there is a great need to ensure that Northern Ireland is not left behind.
"My proposal concerns an outright ban on all exploration and extraction of shale gas through hydraulic fracturing with no ifs, buts or maybes. It is my intention to launch a public consultation in early spring 2017 and I would urge all those who have an interest in this area of policy, and the general public, to respond."
(MH/JP)
Announcing the proposed legislation, Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA Richie McPhillips, said: "Since becoming an MLA in May this year, it became clear very quickly that the issue of fracking hasn't gone away. I have engaged with individuals, organisations and stakeholders who all have the same concerns of the damaging effects shale gas extraction can have on the environment and on local communities.
"Former SDLP Minister Mark H Durkan made some massive strides to ban fracking in policy through the SPPS. However, we have seen the current Tory Government intervene to overturn Lancashire Councils decision to reject an application for exploration of shale gas.
"The Tory Government are also proposing a compensation scheme for households in England but no amount of compensation can remedy the irreversible damage caused to the environment and local communities. Therefore, legislation and law is the only way that Northern Ireland's interests can be protected and that is why I have tabled a Private Members Bill."
He continued: "Scotland has now moved to ban fracking while there are currently proposals put before the Dáil in the South to introduce a similar ban. In this sense, there is a great need to ensure that Northern Ireland is not left behind.
"My proposal concerns an outright ban on all exploration and extraction of shale gas through hydraulic fracturing with no ifs, buts or maybes. It is my intention to launch a public consultation in early spring 2017 and I would urge all those who have an interest in this area of policy, and the general public, to respond."
(MH/JP)
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24 November 2011
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Foster 'Family Gas Drilling Link' Questioned
A Stormont Executive Minister has "nothing to hide" on a family's member's link to the granting of a licence for shale gas exploration in Co Fermanagh. The DUP's Arlene Foster (pictured) also said she has no interest in the issue to declare.
26 November 2024
Legislation Introduced For Protection Of Newborns
New legislation has been introduced in Northern Ireland to protect newborn babies from serious brain and spinal problems. From 2026, folic acid will be added to non-wholemeal flour, the Department of Health has announced. The move follows measures to update Bread and Flour Regulations across the four nations following a UK wide consultation.
Legislation Introduced For Protection Of Newborns
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01 February 2013
Community Service Sentence For Indecent Assault
The former administrator of Newry Cathedral has pleaded guilty to four counts of indecent assault of a teenage girl. Father Terrence Rafferty, of Chestnut Grove, Newry, was sentenced to 100 hours community service, a three-year probation order and has been banned from working with children or vulnerable adults for 10 years.
Community Service Sentence For Indecent Assault
The former administrator of Newry Cathedral has pleaded guilty to four counts of indecent assault of a teenage girl. Father Terrence Rafferty, of Chestnut Grove, Newry, was sentenced to 100 hours community service, a three-year probation order and has been banned from working with children or vulnerable adults for 10 years.
17 October 2005
Minister confirms NI smoking ban
Northern Ireland is to get a smoking ban in all workplaces and enclosed spaces, the Government has announced today. Health Minister Shawn Woodward said the decision was made following extensive consultation on the issue but that it would be April 2007 before any new legislation comes into effect in the province.
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09 May 2019
Concerns Raised Over Fracking Proposal
Representatives from several of Northern Ireland's political parties have expressed concern over a renewed proposal for a fracking licence in County Fermanagh.
Concerns Raised Over Fracking Proposal
Representatives from several of Northern Ireland's political parties have expressed concern over a renewed proposal for a fracking licence in County Fermanagh.
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