Fracking bids ‘unlikely to be considered soon’

Applications for licences to explore for gas using controversial fracking methods are unlikely to be considered for another two years, at least.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) yesterday said that its two-year, €1.25m, study into the safety issues linked with the prospect of fracking in Ireland is due to conclude in July next year and that no licence applications will be welcomed by it or the Department of Natural Resources until after that time.

Given the current 12-month window of a conventional exploration licensing round, that would mean no applications would likely be received until close to 2018, even should the current research find that fracking holds no threat to the local environment.