A local government TD and Junior Minister has clarified her stance after the cabinet approved plans for a national gas storage facility using imported gas.
It's understood that the gas will be imported from the US where it is extracted mainly by hydraulic fracturing or fracking.
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Fracking is banned in Ireland due to concerns over the damage it causes to the environment, water sources and public health.
Anti fracking groups in the North West have called on all TD’s to oppose the move.
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Minister of State and Sligo-Leitrim Deputy Marian Harkin says she remains against the move but acknowledged that the government does find itself in an awkward position with concerns over the energy shortages:
