The Environment and Enterprise Ministers are being urged to ensure all fracking related applications are rejected.

North Antrim Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay said the rejections must also include the application to drill at Ballinlea on the north coast.

Daithí McKay said: "The present application for a mini-frack in North Antrim by Rathlin Energy must be rejected. It is not in the best interests of the environment and represents a clear threat to our tourism industry on the north coast.

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"Sinn Féin is consistent on the issue of fracking. We do not want to see it in any form, no fracks and no mini-fracks. Other parties need to be consistent too.

"Our energy needs can be met by realising our potential to develop renewables. We should not put at risk the tourist attraction that is the north coast by supporting drilling operations that involve high levels of risk to our environment and our water supply."

(CD/MH)