Oireachtas watchdog backs ban on fracking

An Oireachtas watchdog has backed a ban on fracking, with a warning that it would be irresponsible to allow it.

After an inquiry lasting months, cross-party politicians found that drilling for shale gas from rocks, sands and coal seams creates the potential for groundwater contamination, leaks and surface chemical spills.

In its report to be published tomorrow, the Joint Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment said that uncertainty over how much greenhouse gas is produced by the industry is reason enough to ban it.