We are yet to be convinced this is not just another stalling tactic.
It is worth noting that the Minister has said this is going to be a 'strategic review' of Petroleum Licensing. But back in 2011 we were told a Strategic Environmental Assessment was not required.
See the answer given to assembly question AQW8255/11-15.
So are we getting a strategic review of Petroleum licensing, but not a Strategic Environmental Assessment of it ?? despite the Minister claiming the reason for the Strategic Review is -:
"My Department is undertaking a strategic review of petroleum licensing policy that will include independent research aimed at developing a better understanding of the economic, environmental and societal impacts."
So what exactly are we getting. We don't know. Note the reference to 'independent research". We as Northern Ireland tax payers have already contributed to industry led research (via the Irish EPA study with CDM Smith as main consultants). The outcome of that research left the Irish Government with very little alternative but to ban fracking.
It would certainly appear that the Minister is, like her predecessors attempting to walk a linguistic tight rope.
The trouble is the time for that is over. Gas is not the way forward.
We need this industry banned now. It has no place in Ireland, North or South, and has no place anywhere in the world given the overwhelming impacts on Health and the Environment now known and documented.
