The island of Ireland is one of the greenest places on the planet but global energy corporations want to put an end to this. The fracking industry have big plans for both sides of the border and we need to act fast to stop them.
We can’t sit back and let our land and water be destroyed by those who promise us the earth while destroying it in the process.
Despite huge opposition, fracking work has commenced in scenic County Fermanagh and plans are in place for nearby Leitrim. Other areas under threat include the Antrim, Down, Derry, Donegal, Sligo, Roscommon, Cavan, Monaghan, Clare, Cork and Kerry.
Demand a fracking ban on the island of Ireland by signing and sharing our petition now. Each time someone signs it, key politicians will get an email urging them to act. Sign here or read on: https://www.change.org/petitions/ban-fracking-on-the-island-of-ireland
Fracking promises an abundance of jobs and energy but at what cost?
Fracking or ‘hydraulic fracturing’ involves drilling down and injecting toxic chemicals into the earth at high pressure in order to fracture shale rocks to release natural gas. Studies show that fracking contaminates drinking water, affects air quality, and disrupts fish, farming, wildlife and tourism. It has also been linked to tremors and earthquakes in England, the U.S and elsewhere. The French government have described it as a massacre on the landscape.
All around the world citizens and governments are waking up to the destruction and dangers it poses. Fracking is now banned in France and in the state of New York, and Germany looks set to follow. We need to come together and demand leaders in Belfast, Dublin and London do the same. Sign and share the petition now.
Everyone agrees that the island of Ireland urgently needs jobs, investment and new sources of energy. What we need is a sensible long-term plan that makes both parts of the island global leaders in eco-tourism and green food and energy. That way we can create real and sustainable jobs that don’t cost the earth.
We already have huge momentum. Leitrim, Donegal, Sligo, Roscommon and Sligo County Councils have all passed motions calling for a ban, as has Omagh and Fermanagh District Council. Their opposition to fracking is shared by well known figures including Paul McCartney, Robert Redford, Matt Damon, Adrian Dunbar, Yoko Ono and Alec Baldwin.
Northern Ireland Environment Minister Mark Durkan and Alex White, the Irish Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, both say that further studies are needed before fracking can begin in full force. However, companies like Canadian multinational Tamboran resources, have already begun preparatory work in Belcoo, Co. Fermanagh and campaigners suspect that global energy lobbyists could get their way when it comes to influencing new studies and legislation.
Our ancestors knew to protect the land for future generations and we must do the same. Let us unite together, protect our beautiful island, and build a prosperous future for all.
Media links
Friends Of The Earth Warn Over Fracking In Northern Ireland: http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/environment/friends-of-the-earth-warn-over-fracking-in-northern-ireland-29904048.html
Leitrim Councillors Condemn Tamboran Resources: http://www.rte.ie/news/2014/0731/634288-fracking/
No fracking pledge by Fermanagh’s biggest landowner: http://fermanaghherald.com/2013/10/no-fracking-pledge-by-fermanaghs-biggest-landowner/#sthash.HN8IJWht.dpuf
EPA officlal links fracking to water issues: http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/epa-official-links-fracking-and-drinking-water-issues-in-dimock-pa/2013/07/29/7d8b34b2-f8a1-11e2-afc1-c850c6ee5af8_story.html
Germany bans fracking until at least 2021: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/wall-street-journal/germany-bans-fracking-till-2021/story-fnay3ubk-1226979613342?nk=129c02e9cb3c4b08d15ac04f015e88b7
France Upholds Ban On Fracking: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/12/business/international/france-upholds-fracking-ban.html?_r=0
New York Times Expose on Fracking Offers Lessons: http://switchboard.nrdc.org/blogs/egoldstein/new_york_times_expose_on_frack.html
Two Thirds of Britons Favour Wind Over Fracking: http://positivenews.org.uk/2014/environment/renewable_energy/15778/two-thirds-britons-favour-wind-power-fracking/
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Fracking information
Greenpeace – Fracking: http://www.greenpeace.org/usa/en/campaigns/global-warming-and-energy/The-Problem/fracking/
Dangers of Fracking: http://www.dangersoffracking.com
No To Fracking: http://nofracking.com
Earth Justice -Resources: http://earthjustice.org/features/campaigns/fracking-across-the-united-states
Environment America report: http://www.environmentamerica.org/sites/environment/files/reports/EA_FrackingNumbers_scrn.pdf
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Video / film
Video – Presentation by Dr Mariann Lloyd-Smith, Senior Adviser to the National Toxics Network and IPEN – Dublin, 24th May 2013: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mf6i54znf6s
Video – Clare Fracking Concern short documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpzSmwIwK6Q
Video – The Future of Fracking in Ireland (Letrim focus): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S10eRf8pYz4
Video – BBC Journalist Greg Palast Speaks at No Fracking Ireland Event: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXyN0InzCdw
Video – Talk by Leah Doherty, No Fracking Ireland: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yu7ip8hei-E
Film – Gasland: http://vimeo.com/70442569
Film – Fracking Hell (18 mins): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEB_Wwe-uBM
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Key contacts
Comprehensive list of email addresses for MLAs, TDs, MEPs, Councillors
http://frackingfreeireland.org/contact/contact-irish-politicians/
Dublin
Alex White TD, Minister for Communications, Energy and and Natural Resources
Tel: +353 (0)1 618 3972
Email: alex.white@oir.ie
Twitter: @AlexWhiteTD
Belfast
Mark Durkan MLA, Minister of the Environment
Tel: +44 (0) 28 7136 5516
Email: markh.durkan@mla.niassembly.gov.uk
Twitter: @markhdurkan
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Companies involved
Tamboran resources: http://www.tamboran.com
Lough Allen Natural Gas Co (Finavera Wind Energy): http://www.finavera.com
Enegi Oil: http://www.enegioil.com
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Anti-Fracking Groups
Fracking Free Ireland: http://frackingfreeireland.org
No To Fracking Northern Ireland: http://notofracking.com
Fracking Free Clare: http://frackingfreeclare.org
Love Letrim: http://www.loveleitrim.org/category/fracking/
Fermanagh Fracking Awareness Group: http://www.frackaware.com/wordpress/
Not For Shale N.I: http://notforshale.com
Good Energies Ireland Alliance: http://goodenergiesalliance.com/fracking-areas/
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