Following concerns voiced in the Republic of Ireland (ROI), the Northern Ireland Assembly has voted for a ‘moratorium on ‘fracking’ pending an environmental assessment, according to the Belfast Telegraph.

The Green Party/Alliance motion stated: "the production of hard-to-reach fossil fuels is not compatible with efforts to achieve carbon reduction targets; and urges the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to give greater support to the generation of energy from renewable sources."

The European Commission (EC) has also been lobbied over concerns surrounding the use of the controversial gas extraction technique, known to cause serious well-blowouts and tremmers, putting both workers and local communities at risk.

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Alliance MLA Anna Lo endorsed the decision by sighting international best practice examples, she said the process had been "either banned or placed under moratorium in France, areas of Germany, Australia and South Africa and in several states in the USA". She continued by outlining the pollution concerns put forward by Northern Ireland Water.

The UUP abstained from the motion, however MLA Danny Kinahan recalled reports of minor earthquakes in Blackpool which led to the suspension of fracking in Lancashire.

The DUP has so far declined to back the motion, stating that much of the evidence has come from the USA and has been caused by a poorly regulated industry. Speaking on behalf of the DUP, Mr Moutray added: "Lessons have been learnt from any mistakes, and I am confident that they will not be repeated". He concluded that supporters of the motion were "paranoid about any effort that is made to find solutions to our energy needs."

(HMcE/CD)