The SDLP has announced new legislation calling for an outright ban on all exploration and extraction of shale gas through hydraulic fracturing across NI.

Announcing the proposed legislation, Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA Richie McPhillips, said: "Since becoming an MLA in May this year, it became clear very quickly that the issue of fracking hasn't gone away. I have engaged with individuals, organisations and stakeholders who all have the same concerns of the damaging effects shale gas extraction can have on the environment and on local communities.

"Former SDLP Minister Mark H Durkan made some massive strides to ban fracking in policy through the SPPS. However, we have seen the current Tory Government intervene to overturn Lancashire Councils decision to reject an application for exploration of shale gas.

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"The Tory Government are also proposing a compensation scheme for households in England but no amount of compensation can remedy the irreversible damage caused to the environment and local communities. Therefore, legislation and law is the only way that Northern Ireland's interests can be protected and that is why I have tabled a Private Members Bill."

He continued: "Scotland has now moved to ban fracking while there are currently proposals put before the Dáil in the South to introduce a similar ban. In this sense, there is a great need to ensure that Northern Ireland is not left behind.

"My proposal concerns an outright ban on all exploration and extraction of shale gas through hydraulic fracturing with no ifs, buts or maybes. It is my intention to launch a public consultation in early spring 2017 and I would urge all those who have an interest in this area of policy, and the general public, to respond."

(MH/JP)