Protests

Protests

 

Since its inception, fracking has been opposed by many sections of society. From native Americans protesting about disruption to their ancestoral lands to conservationists concerned about the impact on the environment, the practice divides public opinion widely. To date there is little consensus, and opinion is set to be divided for many years to come.

In Ireland, shale gas has been detected in an area known as the Northwest Ireland Carboniferous Basin, which comprises parts of counties Leitrim, Roscommon, Sligo, Cavan, Donegal and Fermanagh. In these areas, where tourism is an important part of the local economy, any application for fracking will be contentious. 

Protests and activism in Ireland helped develop and pass the Petroleum and Other Minerals Development (Prohibition of Onshore Hydraulic Fracturing) Act 2017, banning onshore fracking in Ireland. 

Fracking application rejected in the UK

In June 2015 Lancashire county council rejected a planning application by shale gas explorer Cuadrilla to frack in the county, in a major blow to what would have been the UK’s biggest round of fracking so far.  Hundreds of anti-fracking campaigners outside the county hall in Preston, where the verdict was announced, reacted with delight and cheers, and even people in the council chamber applauded.