The Department of Environment (DOE) has been informed by energy firm Tamboran of its plan to drill an exploratory borehole in Fermanagh.

Environment Minister Mark H Durkan said: "There is no planning application with DOE to frack. I have been consistently clear on this issue: granting permissions relating to fracking operations will only take place when it has been supported by very strong evidence which indicates that fracking is safe for public health and the environment. No decisions have been taken in relation to permitting fracking."

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No planning application or applications for environmental permissions have been received by the DOE and any applications will be considered in a "very robust manner," according to the Minister.

(CD/IT)