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Shale fracking has been banned in Northern Ireland for the first time, environment minister Mark Durkan has said.
In the strategic planning policy statement (SPPS) for Northern Ireland, the “go-to” guide for those involved in the local planning system, has “set out in black and white” a no to fracking policy.
Durkan said this will only change in the future if the Department of the Environment is “satisfied that there is sufficient and robust evidence on all environmental impacts of fracking”.
“Significantly for the first time, no to fracking is actually enshrined in policy…” he added. “I believe this is a sensible and reasonable approach.”
The SPPS provides policy on key issues such as town centres and retail development, building in the countryside, creating and enhancing shared space, tourism, telecommunications and housing.
Friends of the Earth Northern Ireland director James Orr said the move “represents a hugely positive contribution for a clean and green Northern Ireland”.
“We will be studying the new SPPS closely to ensure that its provisions apply to the fossil fuel extraction proposed for Antrim,” he added. “These projects also appear to be unconventional and should therefore be covered by this policy.”
The news follows a recent announcement from the UK government that it would introduce new measures in the hope of fast-tracking fracking applications.
Last month, however, it made the decision not to grant new petroleum exploration and development licences (PEDLs) in Scotland and Wales, which it says is in accordance with the new devolution settlements set out in the Scotland Bill, currently before parliament, and the soon to be introduced Wales Bill.
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