Smith demands 'outright' fracking ban

A local Fianna Fáil TD has weighed into the fracking debate pledging his support for the new legislation being brought forward in the Dáil to ban the controversial technique for gas extraction.

However, Deputy Brendan Smith stresses the Bill must outlaw the practice fully, and not leave any room for manoeuvre in the future.

'I have always been firmly against fracking and want to see it banned outright,' said Deputy Smith. 'I welcome Deputy Tony McLoughlin’s Bill and will be supporting it in the Dáil. The issue is a particularly contentious one here in the Border region, which has been identified as a potential location for fracking.

“I am extremely concerned about the health and environmental issues associated with fracking. Water and air pollution are both potential risk factors and should not be overlooked in favour of business interests. I also have serious concerns about the damage that could be done to our reputation as a high quality food producing nation,' said the former agriculture minister. 

“Other countries such as France, Scotland, Wales and New Zealand have already banned the practice and it is time that we did the same here.  Fianna Fáil is completely opposed to fracking, because of the potential risks to the environment and our drinking water sources.