Sligo/Leitrim Fine Gael TD Tony McLoughlin’s Bill to ban fracking has been finally passed in the Dail.
It will now go to the Seanad.
The passage is a major victory for those campaigning for years to have fracking banned.
For years, there has been a passionate debate about fracking, particularly in border areas in Leitrim and Cavan where at least one company wanted to use the controversial method to extract gas.
It resulted in numerous public meetings and a strong anti-fracking campaign in which the group Love Leitrim played a leading role.
Today, more than 20 members of Love Leitrim were in the Dail gallery to see the Bill to ban fracking by Sligo/Leitrim TD Tony McLoughlin pass.
Deputy McLoughlin’s Bill had received cross-party support and, despite discussion on a number of proposed amendments this morning, it finally went through.
At the end of the debate, Deputy McLoughlin reflected on the effort involved, adding that he now looked forward to it eventually being signed into law by the president:
The Cathaoirleach of Leitrim County Council, Fianna Fail’s Mary Bohan, described the occasion as historic:
Speaking to Ocean Fm News this lunchtime, Chairman of the Love Leitrim campaign Johnny Gogan was delighted.
He says this campaign has been led in the small county of Leitrim and will now become a major national piece of legislation that is being watched closely around the world:
