Fury as minister speaks in favour of fracking

Opponents of fracking have reacted with dismay to comments by a junior minister over the potential billion euro bonanza from the controversial technique of extracting shale gas.

Environment Minister of State Fergus O’Dowd said if there was any chance of untapped gas being there, the Government must take account of it being a massive economic boost.

He addressed general concerns over proposed fracking, or hydraulic fracturing in Clare and the north-west. He said: “We import most of our energy and if it became possible to create thousands of jobs then that prospect would be worthy of consideration.”