‘A great victory’: Ireland’s parliament bans onshore fracking

‘Ireland is to ban onshore fracking, making it one of a few countries to prohibit the gas extraction method in an effort to preserve the environment.
The Petroleum and Other Minerals Development (Prohibition of Onshore Hydraulic Fracturing) Bill 2016 will be signed into law by President Michael D. Higgins, after it passed in the Seanad (Senate) on Wednesday, following its passing in the Dail (Parliament) in May.
Fracking is the process of extracting gas from shale rock using high-pressure water and chemicals. The chemicals used in this process can damage the environment and groundwater, while the process can release methane gases.
“This ban is a great victory for the local campaigners who have mobilized and educated themselves, their communities and their elected representatives on the threat fracking poses to local water, regional employment and global climate,” said Kate Ruddock from the Environmental Pillar (EP), a coalition of 26 Irish NGOs.’
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