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Fracking ban confirmed by Stormont

PA Media Fracking is a process to force gas out of shale rock by injecting water and chemicals into it under pressurePA Media
Fracking is a process to force gas out of shale rock by injecting water and chemicals into it under pressure

A ban on fracking in Northern Ireland has been approved by the Stormont Executive.

It extends to all other forms of onshore petroleum exploration and production.

The Economy Minister Conor Murphy said legislation for the ban will be introduced in late 2025. He had announced his intention to seek the ban earlier this year.

Fracking involves injecting high-pressure liquid between layers of rock to force open fissures and release any oil and natural gas stored there.

It is a controversial method and proposals to use it in County Fermanagh faced significant political and community opposition.

A graphic showing the process of fracking

There are no active licences for petroleum exploration in place in Northern Ireland but two applications remain on hold following a review of the licensing scheme.

The minister said reducing reliance on fossil fuels was key to helping to meet the 2050 Net Zero goal in climate change legislation.

"This action today takes us a step closer to ending our over reliance on fossil fuels which are at the mercy of unstable global commodity prices.

"It will help my department focus all its efforts on supporting the development and generation of renewable energy," Economy Minister Conor Murphy said.

The move brings Northern Ireland into line with policy elsewhere in the UK and in the Republic of Ireland.