International exploration firm, Tamboran Resources, has been refused permission to carry out exploratory drilling in Fermanagh.

Environment Minister, Mark H Durkan, rejected the plans to drill a 750 metre deep exploratory hole at the site adjacent to a quarry at Belcoo.

Minister Durkan said: "I have given very careful consideration to Tamboran's proposal to drill a core of rock from Cleggan Quarry near Belcoo and whether this is permitted development under current legislation. I have concluded that this is Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) development requiring full planning permission and that permitted development rights do not apply.

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"In making this assessment I have been mindful of my Department's responsibility to ensure that the environment is protected at all times and that full consideration is give to any likely significant environmental impacts of such a proposal.



"I have concerns that this is an existing quarry where unauthorised extraction has taken place. I believe there is insufficient information to establish what environmental impacts may have already arisen as a result of these unauthorised activities. Therefore, it is not possible to assess the environmental impact of the drilling cumulatively with other unknown environmental impacts of unregulated activity."

SDLP Fermanagh District Councillor Brendan Gallagher welcomed the announcement. He said: "With our local economy heavily reliant on agriculture and tourism, we are very concerned that the impact of fracking on these sectors could be devastating for Fermanagh.

"It is now vital that the DETI Minister, Arlene Foster, listens to the concerns of the Fermanagh people, reflects on the decision made by Minister Durkan and places a moratorium on the licence granted by her department to Tamboran Resources."

(CD/JP)