A victory against fracking is a victory for everybody

Sinn Féin MEP Liadh Ní Riada has welcomed the Dáil decision to ban onshore fracking.

The Ireland south MEP, whose constituency includes county Clare which was one of the areas targeted as a possible fracking site, said the decision was a victory for the environment.

“A victory for the environment is a victory for everybody who lives on this island,” she said.

“The dangers of fracking have been well documented so it is with a mixture of joy and relief that I welcome the passing of this Bill.

“Thankfully, on this issue at least, it seems the Government have come to their sense when it comes to making a quick buck from selling off national assets and cosying up to corporations. This decision will send a message to multinationals greedily eyeing up Ireland’s natural resources that our country is not for sale.

“Like the rest of the world, Ireland must wean itself off fossil fuels and begin to invest seriously in other forms of energy but destructive practices like fracking are not the answer.

“Co-operation between countries across Europe and the rest of the world in researching and developing new forms of renewable energy are what is needed to address the problem.

“In tandem with that elected representatives must also do what they can to protect the environment and to that end I look forward to future legislation which will ban offshore fracking as well.”