Sinn Féin has reaffirmed its continued objection to the approval of any petroleum licences by the Department of Economy (DfE).

These comments come after the party tabled a motion in the Assembly last year calling for an immediate moratorium on petroleum licensing for all exploration, drilling and extraction until legislation is brought forward that bans it in Northern Ireland.

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Speaking after meeting with local activists, Sinn Féin representative Philip McGuigan said: "Today we had a very constructive engagement with local activists from Fermanagh and Leitrim.

"We restated our position that we are opposed to the approval of any petroleum licences by the Department of Economy (DfE).

"We are acutely aware of the potential environmental and health implications to our local communities, and we are determined to prevent that.

"That is why my colleague Áine Murphy is currently bringing forward a private members bill to ban fracking in the north of Ireland.

"Sinn Féin will continue to oppose any attempts to explore, drill for or extract petroleum in the north."