So what does the decision made by Minister Durkan mean? Today the Minister issued a very important precedent. He correctly interpreted the ‘Precautionary Principle’. Essentially this means that it is no longer the responsibility of the community to prove environmental harm and risk to human health but the burden of proof is now on the fracking company to establish that it won’t cause harm. Every single proposal for oil and gas extraction in Northern Ireland will be assessed rigorously to ensure that this important Ministerial decision is reflected in the actions of the Dept of the Environment. In concluding that this is EIA development requiring full planning permission with an accompanying statement and that permitted development rights do not apply Minister Durkan’s decision will delay Tamboran for more then 12 months and a full Environmental Impact Statement could cost Tamboran a five figure sum. This is the third big win against fracking here in recent months! Win 1! Campaigning led to ChX Ltd withdrawing from License 5. Win 2! Campaigning led to the Minster ruling that Rathlin Energy must provide an Environmental statement in Ballinlea. Win 3! Tamboran stopped for now! To everyone who worked towards this and also to everyone who took part in and helped with the ‘Do the Right Thing Campaign’ you have achieved this. To Belcoo you inspire the movement here and across the globe. Communities are rising. Together we have alot to do but together we will secure a complete Ban.
Posted on: Mon, 11 Aug 2014 21:25:54 +0000
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