Stewart Speaks on Opposition to Fracking and Petroleum Exploration in NI

East Antrim Alliance MLA, Stewart Dickson, has spoken in the Assembly of his opposition to fracking and petroleum exploration in Northern Ireland.

Mr Dickon commented: “A few years ago the people of Carrickfergus in my East Antrim constituency faced the prospect of oil exploration at Woodburn Forest in the hills above the town. Fortuitously for the town, and Northern Ireland, no oil was discovered, and the prospectors left. But we still have concerns from other energy proposals in the constituency with regards to gas storage in Islandmagee.

“Now there are concerns that fracking could take place in Fermanagh, something which I completely oppose, and is causing considerable worry and upset amongst people who live in the area.

Mr Dickson concluded: “I think we need to draw this to a close now, by banning the practice altogether. The risks are too high, for any potential benefits, not least as we move towards a post-fossil fuel era. Let’s leave these fossil fuels in the ground.”