And then there were none.

Congratulations folks.

There are now no Petroleum Licences in Northern Ireland. The PL1/10 licence officially terminated yesterday 28th April.  This was the last licence that was in effect after onshore Northern Ireland was reopened for petroleum licensing in 2010. 

Whilst we know there are still two applications in process - one for Fermanagh from Tamboran, the other for a large area near lough Neagh - we should take a moment to reflect on actually getting to this stage.

With no licence in effect, the Assembly has the freedom to look at policy without hindrance.  We believe the Department has ordered a review of Policy and legislation in Petroleum Licensing but have not heard much information about when this is targeted for and who is undertaking the review.

In our view it is quite simple -: It is clear there should be a ban on Fracking in Northern Ireland, whilst also it is more evident than ever that fossil fuels need to be left in the ground.


We also celebrate the news today that Fianna Fail and Fine Gael have jointly agreed that the building out of fossil fuel infrastructure (including gas infrastructure) is not conducive to climate commitments and should have no place in a programme for Government. This includes the Shannon LNG project. We must push for a global fracking ban. The stories we hear from affected communities in the US show that this industry has no place anywhere in the world.
  

We believe our politicians North and South must now look at how they can facilitate more renewable energy projects and research and development in both the renewable energy field, and in the energy storage area.  Ireland North and South is ideally placed to become a world leader in this field. 

Here in Belcoo Frack Free we will continue to engage with politicians across the political spectrum, to ensure a climate friendly future, a just transition, and a clean and healthy future for everyone.

But for the moment we should celebrate.  We want to thank the many people who stood with us, and who ensured days like today can be celebrated. The oil and gas industry is hurt at the moment  but the industry is still alive and kicking and has many more pages in their playbook.  But they are losing. Put simply, their product pollutes both our environment and our political discourse. Their divide and conquer tactics have been beaten a number of times here now but will be used again by industry and their supporters no doubt.  Let us ensure there are many more days like today as we move towards that better cleaner, healthier, future together.