Leading Canadian fracking opponent to start lecture series in Leitrim

A leading Canadian opponent to fracking will embark on a nationwide series of talks on her experience of the contentious gas extraction technique in Leitrim tomorrow (Saturday).
Jessica Ernst is an award winning scientist with 30 years' oil and gas industry experience. She will present a talk titled 'Fracking community: actions and omissions
speak louder than words at a series of events in Leitrim, Ennis, Belfast, and three venues in Dublin from March 2–11.
The talk draws on her ongoing legal action against the Alberta government, Alberta energy regulator, the Energy Resources Conservation Board (ERCB), and EnCana for alleged negligence and unlawful activities related to hydraulic fracturing.
The technology has become the subject of serious government investigations throughout North America due to concerns over surface and groundwater contamination.

The prospect of Tamboran Resources using hydraulic fracturing in an area called the Lough Allen Basin, focussing mainly on parts of Counties Fermanagh and Leitrim, has raised concerns locally. However, Tamboran Resources, who in recent days has reportedly applied for an exploration licence, insist that through a combination of effective regulation by the Irish authorities, and by applying certain technical precautions, most notably a cement log, they will safeguard against pollution emanating from their frack wells.

Organisers of the presentations describe them as 'a rare opportunity to hear from someone who has lived on both sides of this issue describe their experiences on the fracking frontline. She will discuss her own case, the impact of this industry upon her own community and why she believes no healthy society should ever permit hydraulic fracturing.'
In 2011, Ms Ernst was awarded the “Woman of Courage” award by UNANIMA International, a UN Economic and Social Council accredited NGO, for her efforts to hold companies accountable for environmental harm done by fracking.
Her presentation schedule is as follows:

• Saturday, March 2 in Leitrim Village Community Center, Leitrim Village, near Carrick on Shannon, 7pm;

• Monday, March 4 in the Old Ground Hotel, Ennis, Co. Clare, at 8pm;

• Wednesday, March 6, Peter Froggatt Center, Queens University, Belfast, 7pm;

• Sunday, March 10, 'Our Natural Resources - Not for Sale' hosted by Richard Boyd Barrett TD with speakers from Norway, An Taisce, SIPTU, The Woodlands League  11am–6pm in the Gresham Hotel on O'Connell St, Dublin