Anti-fracking protesters welcome rejection of borehole application

Protesters held an ecumenical service at the gates of the quarry on Monday night

Anti-fracking protesters have been celebrating a decision to block permission for an exploratory borehole for shale gas in County Fermanagh.

Environment Minister Mark H Durkan said drilling could have a significant impact on the environment.

Tamboran Resources wanted to drill a 750m deep hole at a quarry at Belcoo, using permitted development rights.

It issued a statement saying it was "deeply concerned" by the minister's decision.

"The company is currently reviewing its position and will release a further statement in due course," Tamboran said.

Tamboran will now have to make a full planning application with an accompanying environmental statement.

On Monday night, protesters held an ecumenical service at the gates of the quarry to celebrate the minister's decision.

Donal O'Cofaigh from Belcoo Frack Free welcomed the decision and said it could delay the project considerably.

"It's a great relief, the minister has made the right decision," he told the BBC.

"This is the first time that we are going to have the opportunity to be consulted on that. This is something that is of grave concern to the local community."

The MP for the area, Michelle Gildernew of Sinn Féin, also welcomed the announcement.

"The decision to deny Tamboran to begin deep bore test drilling in Belcoo, Fermanagh, is the correct decision given the clear opposition to fracking in the area," she said.

Tamboran staff moved into the quarry three weeks ago and carried out work to secure the site.

Protesters objecting to both fracking and gas exploration had held a permanent vigil at the quarry.

The aim of the borehole was to check if there was enough gas below ground to warrant seeking a licence to set up a fracking operation.

Protesters said they feared a borehole could be the first step towards the setting up of an industry that they believe could damage the environment and the health of local residents.

The borehole drilling process would not have involved fracking.

Currently, Sinn Féin, the SDLP and UUP say they oppose fracking, while the DUP has said exploration should take place, and any application for extraction should be judged at the time.

Last week, politicians condemned a petrol bomb attack that targeted the family home of a Tamboran worker in Letterbreen.

Protesters staged vigils at the site near Belcoo