Question Time: Environment Tuesday 1 April 2014
The prospect of hydraulic fracturing (fracking) in Northern
Ireland as a source of gas or oil was discussed during today’s
Questions to the Minister of the Environment, Mark Durkan. While the
fracking process can help recover untapped sources of gas and oil there is
considerable concern over its impact on public health and the environment, in
particular its effects on water quality, air emissions and ground
contamination. These concerns were echoed by Phil Flanagan who was keen to find
out where the Minister stands on the controversial subject. Mr Durkan revealed
that officials from the Northern
Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) are working with the Environmental
Protection Agency to research the issue and determine the facts on fracking. Until
more is known, it will “only take place when it has been supported by very
strong evidence that fracking is safe for public health and the environment”.
Given the uncertainty over the long-term effects of fracking, any other
approach would be “reckless and irresponsible”.
The proposed Local
Government Bill was also at the forefront of Question Time as the Bill
enters its final stages. Bronwyn McGahan asked the Minister how the rights of
minorities will be protected in the new councils following the implementation
of the Bill. Mr Durkan outlined the processes that will be put in place to
ensure a fair system and declared that he is “committed to ensuring that the 11
new councils will work within the Governance framework that provides for fair,
transparent and efficient decision making and protects the rights and interests
of all people”. In response to a question from Michael McGimpsey the Minister
also discussed the estimated costs of Local Government reform. The
Minister reiterated that the reform is a “huge investment” and is “not about
doing things differently, but doing things better”.
Following the listed questions to the Minister there was 15
minutes of topical questions in which Members discussed the Coastal
Communities Fund, the fate of Exploris aquarium
and the future of DVA staff in
Coleraine.
You can read the full transcript on our website.
You can read the full transcript on our website.
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