Fracking bids will not be considered for at least 2 years

No applications for licences to explore for gas using controversial fracking methods will be considered by the State for at least two years, the Department of Natural Resources has said.

Fracking — or hydraulic fracturing — alludes to the extraction of gas whereby water, sand, and chemicals are pumped into gas-bearing rock at high pressures.

The technique has been drawn large criticism, with concerns over potentially negative knock-on effects on water and air quality in surrounding areas.

Fergus O’Dowd, the natural resources minister, said any decision to allow onshore gas companies to use fracking will only be taken after considering fresh research on the issue.

The Environmental Protection Agency is to commence a study into fracking and its effects. The research is expected to take up to two years.

Earlier this year, the EPA initiated a public consultation process on the terms of reference for a comprehensive study into the environmental impacts of unconventional gas exploration and extraction.

“As I have indicated on a number of occasions, no decision will be made on applications that would propose the use of hydraulic fracturing in unconventional gas exploration until the results of the current EPA research have been considered,” Mr O’Dowd said.

“This is an essential step in ensuring public trust in our regulatory systems, as regard oil and gas exploration.”

He was speaking yesterday at the Oil & Gas 2013 summit hosted by London-based business intelligence firm International Research Networks.

Mr O’Dowd said Ireland remains an open and attractive location for oil and gas exploration. “If we are to successfully compete for international exploration investment, we must ensure that we have a clear, transparent and effective regulatory regime.”

Mr O’Dowd added that regulatory processes have been “significantly reformed in recent years”, with the Government intending to build on these reforms.