Sinn Féin has hit out at Fine Gael over its continued support for fracking.

SF MEP Lynn Boylan said the support was "disappointing but not surprising".

She said: "This time, they tried to remove wording which called for EU countries to not authorise any new fracking operations given the risks for the environment and the gaps in regulation which should cover such activities.

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"In spite of clear opposition in Ireland from civil society, farmers and local communities, Fine Gael want to stamp out any legitimate criticism of this risky gas extraction technique to pave the way for fracking in Ireland, no matter what the cost."

(CD/LM)