The Government has been accused of backing down “in the face of racist arson attacks” by shelving plans for a direct provision centre in Rooskey in Leitrim.

Irish protesters will be protesting today as part Global Frackdown Day.

The first national meeting of anti-fracking activists will take place this weekend, in the wake of a prediction by an Australian exploration firm that there is 40 years’ worth of gas in the North-West.