Greens Oppose Granting of Fracking Licences

Lagan Valley Greens have written to Arlene Foster MLA, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment to express serious concerns about the imminent granting of licences for hydraulic fracturing to extract shale gas.

In the letter, Dr Luke Robinson points out that the there are many uncertainties and considerable potential dangers presented by fracking technology, such as contamination of the water system and the possibility of induced seismic activity. The Greens believe that fracking will blemish areas of pristine natural beauty and damage valuable ecosystems.

In addition to these concerns, Dr Robinson points out that we should be moving away from fossil fuel sources of energy and towards more sustainable sources.

He also expressed disappointed at the extent of public engagement, which amounted to a very small announcement in a few local newspapers.