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Farming and Gas Fracking

  • 21-06-2011 11:41pm
    #1
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 1,130 ✭✭✭


    I thought I'd let people from the North west know about this film about the gas exploration technique called Fracking. It has the potential to effect farming in their area if things were to go wrong. It has adversely effected many farmers livlihoods in America.
    I received this press release from Cinema North West who are organising the film called Gaslands as below. The organisers are expecting quite a few of the local councillors and the latest news is that John Perry (TD) has also promised to attend. So there is an opportunity for a good debate afterwards.


    Screening of the US Academy Award winning film Gasland
    at the mobile cinema beside the Coach House Hotel Ballymote
    on Thursday 23 June at 8.00 p.m.


    In the last days of the Fianna Fáil government, licences were granted to two companies – the Australian-owned Tamboran Resources and Lough Allen Natural Gas Company (LANGCO) to explore for shale gas. The areas targetted include counties Sligo, Roscommon, Leitrim, Cavan, Donegal and Fermanagh. Exploratory work is eminent in your area and could well take place on your property or adjoining property. People need to be aware of the scale and adverse potential of these developments.

    A campaign is currently in progress calling for a ban on the Shale Gas extraction method known as Hydraulic Fracturing in the Lough Allen and Clare Basin based on well-documented international data relating to human and animal health-and-safety as well as the serious environmental degradation emanating from the process.

    To date the French Parliament have banned Hydraulic Fracturing. All exploration has been halted as of 3 weeks ago in Lancashire England following earthquakes in the immediate vicinity of “fracking” activity. In addition, many U.S. States are now taking action on the basis of the damaging effects of “fracking” on human and animal health.

    A screening of the U.S. Academy Award winning film Gasland which deals with the environmental side-effects of Shale Gas Exploration is being organised by Cinema North West in Ballymote on Thursday 23 June at 8.00 p.m. It will take place in the mobile cinema beside the Coach House Hotel.

    All councillors and political representatives in Co. Sligo and Co. Roscommon have been invited to attend.

    Tickets E8 / E7 unwaged.
    There will be a discussion after the film and an opportunity to sign a petition.


«1345678

Comments

  • Closed Accounts Posts: 7,401 ✭✭✭reilig


    I don't get it.

    This is a meeting organised to mobilise support against gas exploration and to get a petition going . . . . . and you are charging people for it??

    Who does the money go to?????????????

    As a dweller of the Lough Allen Basin, I have an open mind about it. If it is done properly, regulated and inspected properly, there should not be an issue with it. With an estimated €120 Billion worth of gas in the basin, there is huge potential for this tiny part of Ireland that hasn't had any economic development since the closure of Arigna Mines. Also, these reserves have not been sold off to large Oil companies like Shell in Rossport. The mining companies must buy rights off each individual farmer - this will bring money to the area and ultimately economic development as the money is spent in the local area.

    Also, the fact that the protest to the Lough Allen Basin exploration is being championed by 2 well known Green Party members is cause for the majority of local dwellers to ignore them. There have been several local incidents with these "Blow ins" including objections to farmers building personal dwelling houses on their own land. In an area that is populated mostly by farmers, they will find it very difficult to gain support. Many people will view these people as "protesting for the sake of protest" as they have done many times in the past.

    As for the film, I have seen it (for free) and it is a very one sided and bias portrayal hyperbolic film which depicts a totally unregulated American Exploration Industry. Anyone that is familiar with Irish Exploration regulations will be very much aware of the contrast.

    Don't get me wrong. I'm neither in favour or against the exploration in the area. I would like to see more information about Fracking - especially details from projects around the world that have been successful. I'd be happy if local people were allowed to make a decision based on the evidence from both sides - rather than be told by professional protesting activists how to view it.
    tuppence wrote: »
    I thought I'd let people from the North west know about this film about the gas exploration technique called Fracking. It has the potential to effect farming in their area if things were to go wrong. It has adversely effected many farmers livlihoods in America.
    I received this press release from Cinema North West who are organising the film called Gaslands as below. The organisers are expecting quite a few of the local councillors and the latest news is that John Perry (TD) has also promised to attend. So there is an opportunity for a good debate afterwards.


    Screening of the US Academy Award winning film Gasland
    at the mobile cinema beside the Coach House Hotel Ballymote
    on Thursday 23 June at 8.00 p.m.


    In the last days of the Fianna Fáil government, licences were granted to two companies – the Australian-owned Tamboran Resources and Lough Allen Natural Gas Company (LANGCO) to explore for shale gas. The areas targetted include counties Sligo, Roscommon, Leitrim, Cavan, Donegal and Fermanagh. Exploratory work is eminent in your area and could well take place on your property or adjoining property. People need to be aware of the scale and adverse potential of these developments.

    A campaign is currently in progress calling for a ban on the Shale Gas extraction method known as Hydraulic Fracturing in the Lough Allen and Clare Basin based on well-documented international data relating to human and animal health-and-safety as well as the serious environmental degradation emanating from the process.

    To date the French Parliament have banned Hydraulic Fracturing. All exploration has been halted as of 3 weeks ago in Lancashire England following earthquakes in the immediate vicinity of “fracking” activity. In addition, many U.S. States are now taking action on the basis of the damaging effects of “fracking” on human and animal health.

    A screening of the U.S. Academy Award winning film Gasland which deals with the environmental side-effects of Shale Gas Exploration is being organised by Cinema North West in Ballymote on Thursday 23 June at 8.00 p.m. It will take place in the mobile cinema beside the Coach House Hotel.

    All councillors and political representatives in Co. Sligo and Co. Roscommon have been invited to attend.

    Tickets E8 / E7 unwaged.
    There will be a discussion after the film and an opportunity to sign a petition.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,576 ✭✭✭Suckler


    The Green "Party" and their repective environmentalist followers would want to start coming up with energy ideas pretty quickly instead of shooting down potential energy generation and export sources.

    The country is headed for financial austerity that will drive up the cost of living if we dont look inward for resources. We are far too dependant on importing oil and gas. The cost of these reources are only going to get higher.

    Renewable energy has always been touted as our future saving grace but as soon as a wind turbine project is suggested for an area its quickly shot down as ruining the landscape. if I want to put up a private turbine generator wth the capacity to send power back to the grid, guaranteed An taisce or some other oppinionated group would be straight in to lodge objections. Its either the wind turbine or the Oil trucks trundling about the place.

    As soon as an incinertor & power generation plant is mooted for an area, the greens are again out banging drums and crying not in our area. People would want to grasp the fact that we can't keep shoving our waste in to the ground and hope it goes away.

    We can't afford to keep buyin in oil & gas at the rate we are. Peat production should be halted as soon as possible as the E.U. will soon put a stop to it. We need to invest in what we can internally produce and possibly export or we will be forever at the mercy of OPEC.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,807 ✭✭✭Birdnuts


    reilig wrote: »
    As a dweller of the Lough Allen Basin, I have an open mind about it. If it is done properly, regulated and inspected properly, there should not be an issue with it. .

    Thats a pretty big if - given a number of recent case histories in this country:(


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,807 ✭✭✭Birdnuts


    Suckler wrote: »
    The country is headed for financial austerity that will drive up the cost of living if we dont look inward for resources. We are far too dependant on importing oil and gas. The cost of these reources are only going to get higher.

    .

    What makes you think the Irish consumer will see any benefit from this gas in terms of price and revenue:confused: - It will be sold at international market rates by these private companies just like imported gas!!

    PS: Nuclear is the only long term viable option IMO anyway - and I agree with you about those poxy wind-farms, waste of money, ugly and totally inefficient!!


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 7,401 ✭✭✭reilig


    Birdnuts wrote: »
    What makes you think the Irish consumer will see any benefit from this gas in terms of price and revenue:confused: - It will be sold at international market rates by these private companies just like imported gas!!

    PS: Nuclear is the only long term viable option IMO anyway - and I agree with you about those poxy wind-farms, waste of money, ugly and totally inefficient!!

    You should read some articles on it. There was one in the Irish times a few weeks back that gave a view from both sides as opposed to the continuous green drone that we have heard up to this!!

    The exploration is all taking place on private lands owned by private individuals. In order for the exploration companies to go onto these lands to "explore", they need to have permission from the landowner. They have already stated that they will pay compensation to any landowners in exchange for permission to go onto the land. If they find gas during these explorations and wish to remove it, they will have to buy it from the landowner.

    In comparison to "recent case histories in this country" such as that with Shell in County Mayo who appear to have been given full permission to extract the gas from the Irish Shoreline without having to pay for it in any way or give a share of the profits back to the government. Instead, Shell get rich on the back of the Irish people while we continue for the next 50 years to pay back our loans to the IMF. The above exploration licences granted for the Lough Allen Basin are to private companies who must make deals with local landowners if they wish to explore on their privately owned land. If, in 20 years time, gas is to be extracted from the Lough Allen Basin, the landowners will be paid for it.


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3,871 ✭✭✭Corsendonk


    Birdnuts wrote: »
    What makes you think the Irish consumer will see any benefit from this gas in terms of price and revenue:confused: - It will be sold at international market rates by these private companies just like imported gas!!

    PS: Nuclear is the only long term viable option IMO anyway - and I agree with you about those poxy wind-farms, waste of money, ugly and totally inefficient!!

    Just out of interest where would your potential locations for nuclear plants be?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 7,401 ✭✭✭reilig


    Corsendonk wrote: »
    Just out of interest where would your potential locations for nuclear plants be?

    Dublin, Cork, Waterford, Galway and Limerick.
    Locate them close to the centres that use most electricity. Shorter cable networks will be required and it will be more profitable for them!! If all electricity in these cities was supplied by Nuclear Power, there would be enough capacity in existing (Rural Based) wind farms to power the rest of the country.



    I have the same view on Incinerators for incinerating waste - they should be built in or on the outskirts of cities that produce the most waste. Yet several proposed sites in regional development plans are very rural based. Why should the rural people pay the price for the wasted produced in urban areas??

    When they produce it, they should be able to deal with it!! :D:D:D


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,807 ✭✭✭Birdnuts


    Corsendonk wrote: »
    Just out of interest where would your potential locations for nuclear plants be?

    A number of suiteable East coast sites plus the Southern Shore of the Shannon Estuary spring to mind - possibly the lower Shannon River too:)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,807 ✭✭✭Birdnuts


    reilig wrote: »
    You should read some articles on it. There was one in the Irish times a few weeks back that gave a view from both sides as opposed to the continuous green drone that we have heard up to this!!

    The exploration is all taking place on private lands owned by private individuals. In order for the exploration companies to go onto these lands to "explore", they need to have permission from the landowner. They have already stated that they will pay compensation to any landowners in exchange for permission to go onto the land. If they find gas during these explorations and wish to remove it, they will have to buy it from the landowner.

    In comparison to "recent case histories in this country" such as that with Shell in County Mayo who appear to have been given full permission to extract the gas from the Irish Shoreline without having to pay for it in any way or give a share of the profits back to the government. Instead, Shell get rich on the back of the Irish people while we continue for the next 50 years to pay back our loans to the IMF. The above exploration licences granted for the Lough Allen Basin are to private companies who must make deals with local landowners if they wish to explore on their privately owned land. If, in 20 years time, gas is to be extracted from the Lough Allen Basin, the landowners will be paid for it.

    I hope it works out like that - My concerns stem from the industries record in the US that has turned neighbour against neighbour


    PS: I read the IT article too but I don't remember mentioning any revenue sharing agreements with land-owners - is there a link for such details??:)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,576 ✭✭✭Suckler


    Birdnuts wrote: »
    What makes you think the Irish consumer will see any benefit from this gas in terms of price and revenue:confused: - It will be sold at international market rates by these private companies just like imported gas!!

    PS: Nuclear is the only long term viable option IMO anyway - and I agree with you about those poxy wind-farms, waste of money, ugly and totally inefficient!!

    Maybe I'm being a bit simplistic in my expectations - I live in the middle east- Petrol is cheap because it is sourced down the road effectively.

    The main point is that we would have the ability to produce our own energy. Off the top of my head, America uses something like 20 million barrels of oil a day ( Open to correction) either ways they use a colosal amount. We will not be able to compete with them if supplies are put under pressure. The ability to self support is always preferable. ( The way "we" have sold our resources to private companies is another rant)

    I havent been fully sold on Nuclear but reality dictates we cant keep going the way we are and renexable ist an option at the moment. To remove Oil from the supply line for the UK (transport included), you'd have to cover every inch of land in PV cells at better-than-current-maximum efficiencies, and include wind / wave / hydro generation ... and you still don't come close !

    Unfortunately, renewables just dont cut it...


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,807 ✭✭✭Birdnuts


    Suckler wrote: »
    Maybe I'm being a bit simplistic in my expectations - I live in the middle east- Petrol is cheap because it is sourced down the road effectively.

    ...

    Unfortunatly that doesn't seem to be the model in Europe(North Sea Oil has not lead to cheap petrol in the UK for example) and certainly not in Ireland which doesn't even apply royalties to such finds:( - I can only put it down to the power of big oil/business over government in this part of the world which means the consumer/citizen comes a poor second:(

    PS: I agree with you about renewables btw:)


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 7,401 ✭✭✭reilig


    Birdnuts wrote: »
    I hope it works out like that - My concerns stem from the industries record in the US that has turned neighbour against neighbour


    PS: I read the IT article too but I don't remember mentioning any revenue sharing agreements with land-owners - is there a link for such details??:)

    I don't have a link unfortunately. I read it in the Irish Times. It was also published in Local Papers!!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 160 ✭✭NotCarrotRidge


    Birdnuts wrote: »
    Thats a pretty big if - given a number of recent case histories in this country:(

    Which ones are those? The Irish regulatory regime for exploration is one of the strongest in the world.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,807 ✭✭✭Birdnuts


    Which ones are those? The Irish regulatory regime for exploration is one of the strongest in the world.

    Is it?? - In any case I'm talking about extraction and potential pollution problems that come from fracking which is the subject of this thread - Irelands record on protecting local communties from sloppy industry is not good as farmers in parts of Limerick and Kilkenny will attest too!!:(


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 4,552 ✭✭✭pakalasa


    Well, we need to do something quick. We are running out of oil at an alarming rate. We'll all be back on the bikes soon, if we're not careful......and we wont even have oil for the chain.:D


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,807 ✭✭✭Birdnuts


    pakalasa wrote: »
    Well, we need to do something quick. We are running out of oil at an alarming rate. We'll all be back on the bikes soon, if we're not careful......and we wont even have oil for the chain.:D

    Nuclear is the future M8;)


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 1,130 ✭✭✭tuppence


    Heres the ink for the article in The Irish Times.
    http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/weekend/2011/0611/1224298716471.html
    And Ronan has interviews with the two main players as links on the right of the article. Tbh I found these interviews enlightening. I do think there is a fair amount of spin involved. especially when private firms welcome the input of environmentalists!! And therefore I think people need to briefed up. Also in the main article when a councillor starts to talk about sinister vested interests I figure he is muddying the water, playing the man and not the ball. And he certainly is not acting in the interests of his constituents. Why cant people from Rossport be concerned about similar unproven exploration techniques that could be detrimental to health and livestock?

    I am not involved with Cinema North West (I am beginning to think sadly am not!) nor the Green party but am a member of a non party aligned group called Claiming our Future. www.claimingourfuture.ie They were set up as a grassroots organisation with local subgroups calling for the need for political reform, environmental sustainability, lessen inequalities between people, create sustainable jobs. All volunteers, no agenda very much a social movement on the ground.

    Anyway, My main concern is that people (and me!) get an opportunity to get as much information about this procedure as possible. And indeed the film is one useful way to reach as many people (more if it weren’t for the price. :( ) as possible and it’s a springboard to eventually come to an informed decision based on all the facts. And I suppose we aren’t here to review the film but if even some of the issues raised were proven then that would e enough in my view to halt this at a government level until firmer international statistics came through. E.g. The Environmental protection agency is due to have a review of current processes in America I believe in 2012/2013. I wouldnt trust an environmental regulator, with this type of new proceudre would they have the expertise for a start? We have been let down badly by regulators in the past.
    This coupled with the fact that it has been banned in France and it’s under review in England since the earth tremors/quake in Blackpool resulting from this procedure a few weeks ago is substantial cause for concern. My view would be that we cant let the economic climate force our hand on this, and we need to ensure that we act in the interests of people and lets face it our children in this situation. So halt until the facts come through?

    It appears that it is many of those same farmers that are the worst effected by the negative health side effects of the fracking contaminating their drinking water etc that I wonder how many of them would sign over their land again if they had the decision again. And for fear of sounding green in every way (Cos I am not!) I really am proud of where I live, the food produce, the landscape that it’s also about investing in sustainable jobs in farming, in tourism in renewable energies. And it renegotiating those licences- we may get a better deal than Corrib but sure we are consistently getting fined for not meeting environmental targets that we’ll be paying back anyhow? :confused::(



    And before you ask it I am not a "blow in" in Leitrim. My people gone before me lie up in the graveyard!! I just don’t want to be joining them anytime soon! ;):D


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 342 ✭✭garth-marenghi


    I think refering to "blow ins" and "people protesting for the sake of protesting" or the fact that Green Party members are involved isnt really treating the issue with the respect and seriousness that it warrants.

    I am not a green party supporter, quite the opposite actually, nor am I a blow in, nor do i protest for the sake of it. What I am concerned with is that there is a highly contraversial process been touted for the region I live in that may have serious consequences for the environmental and personal health of people not to mention the visual impact on the countryside of the apparatus needed for Fracking. Some may doubt the authenticity or reliability of Gasland as a documentary but surely it raises questions for even the most sceptical person.

    The fact that France has voted to ban Fracking but surely get people thinking as as far as im aware the French government arent a bunch of green eco warrior protestor types;).

    What we need is a good honest open debate where all facts are put on the table so a rational, ethical and safe decision is made that will benefit all interested stakeholders. We cant get cuaught up in making negative remarks about those who are objecting, raising questions, or for that matter people supporting the project. It cheapens the seriousness of the issue. It happened and is still happening with regards to the people in Rossport who are been smeared as Republicans, Anarchists etc. Councillor Mcgloin in the Times article quoted it seems is setting much the same tone refering to people with political agendas been inolved. This doesnt help debate and only breeds confrontation.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,717 ✭✭✭LostCovey


    tuppence wrote: »
    ..... the latest news is that John Perry (TD) has also promised to attend. So there is an opportunity for a good debate afterwards.

    Well only if John takes that bath towel out of his mouth before he begins to speak.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,717 ✭✭✭LostCovey


    reilig wrote: »
    If it is done properly, regulated and inspected properly, there should not be an issue with it.

    Fukushima
    reilig wrote: »
    ...... there is huge potential for this tiny part of Ireland that hasn't had any economic development since the closure of Arigna Mines.

    Well that wasn't a great example to use was it ? Lads working picks on their side in a couple of inches of water in a 2 foot high seam, and no showers, walk home in the wet dirty clothes.

    I'd say leave it where it is for now, it's not going to devalue or go out of date.

    LC


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 7,401 ✭✭✭reilig


    I never suggested that you were a blow in.
    I am somewhat familiar with claiming our future and I admire many of their principles. I was trying to point that many of these protests are organised by people who are not from the area. They are professional protestors. They come into an area, create a load of media hype and don't allow people to hear both sides of the story. As I said in my post, I would like to hear from both sides of the argument before I make a decision. I said that I would like to have details of projects where Fracking was successful in finding Gas which supported local economies and brought significant economic development to a region with minimal environmental destruction. As I said, I'm not on either side in the argument, but I don't think its fair that one side should have all of the media attention on such an argument because it then becomes a competition between who can shout the loudest and gain the most media and support as opposed to what would be best for the local area both environmentally and economically - the area that both you and I live in.

    If people who are against fracking want to treat the issue with the respect and seriousness that it warrants, they will allow the local people to make up their own minds on what is best for their area based on information from both sides. We have had enough of being told how to think and how to react from successive government parties and look at the mess that it has gotten us into.

    Its not the 1950's. Many young people have moved back into this area at the end of their education. Levels of education are high among the majority of people and they are able to make their own decision without being influenced by anyone with a green or an economic agenda.

    Give all the facts - the good and the bad - that's being respectful to the people of the area. That's being serious. People who have an alternative agenda should keep it to themselves!!!

    EDIT:

    Just to add a quote from www.claimingourfuture.ie
    Our 5 Values

    • Equality for all
    • Environmental sustainability
    • Accountability from those in power
    • Participation by people in decision making that impacts on them
    • Solidarity between all sectors of society

    The first, second, third and fourth points are the essence of what I was trying to say above.

    tuppence wrote: »
    Heres the ink for the article in The Irish Times.
    http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/weekend/2011/0611/1224298716471.html
    And Ronan has interviews with the two main players as links on the right of the article. Tbh I found these interviews enlightening. I do think there is a fair amount of spin involved. especially when private firms welcome the input of environmentalists!! And therefore I think people need to briefed up. Also in the main article when a councillor starts to talk about sinister vested interests I figure he is muddying the water, playing the man and not the ball. And he certainly is not acting in the interests of his constituents. Why cant people from Rossport be concerned about similar unproven exploration techniques that could be detrimental to health and livestock?

    I am not involved with Cinema North West (I am beginning to think sadly am not!) nor the Green party but am a member of a non party aligned group called Claiming our Future. www.claimingourfuture.ie They were set up as a grassroots organisation with local subgroups calling for the need for political reform, environmental sustainability, lessen inequalities between people, create sustainable jobs. All volunteers, no agenda very much a social movement on the ground.

    Anyway, My main concern is that people (and me!) get an opportunity to get as much information about this procedure as possible. And indeed the film is one useful way to reach as many people (more if it weren’t for the price. :( ) as possible and it’s a springboard to eventually come to an informed decision based on all the facts. And I suppose we aren’t here to review the film but if even some of the issues raised were proven then that would e enough in my view to halt this at a government level until firmer international statistics came through. E.g. The Environmental protection agency is due to have a review of current processes in America I believe in 2012/2013. I wouldnt trust an environmental regulator, with this type of new proceudre would they have the expertise for a start? We have been let down badly by regulators in the past.
    This coupled with the fact that it has been banned in France and it’s under review in England since the earth tremors/quake in Blackpool resulting from this procedure a few weeks ago is substantial cause for concern. My view would be that we cant let the economic climate force our hand on this, and we need to ensure that we act in the interests of people and lets face it our children in this situation. So halt until the facts come through?

    It appears that it is many of those same farmers that are the worst effected by the negative health side effects of the fracking contaminating their drinking water etc that I wonder how many of them would sign over their land again if they had the decision again. And for fear of sounding green in every way (Cos I am not!) I really am proud of where I live, the food produce, the landscape that it’s also about investing in sustainable jobs in farming, in tourism in renewable energies. And it renegotiating those licences- we may get a better deal than Corrib but sure we are consistently getting fined for not meeting environmental targets that we’ll be paying back anyhow? :confused::(



    And before you ask it I am not a "blow in" in Leitrim. My people gone before me lie up in the graveyard!! I just don’t want to be joining them anytime soon! ;):D


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 7,401 ✭✭✭reilig



    What we need is a good honest open debate where all facts are put on the table so a rational, ethical and safe decision is made that will benefit all interested stakeholders. We cant get cuaught up in making negative remarks about those who are objecting, raising questions, or for that matter people supporting the project. It cheapens the seriousness of the issue. It happened and is still happening with regards to the people in Rossport who are been smeared as Republicans, Anarchists etc. Councillor Mcgloin in the Times article quoted it seems is setting much the same tone refering to people with political agendas been inolved. This doesnt help debate and only breeds confrontation.

    My Point exactly. We need a good honest debate in order to make a decision that will benefit all stakeholders. It is wrong to make negative remarks about those proposing the project also! We need to have all information from both sides before we can make a decision. Politicians Like Councillor McGloin, Michael Colreavy, John Perry or Johnny Gogan are not our decision makers. As politicians (or failed politicians), they should represent our views rather than tell us how we should think. However, the flaw with many politicians is that they believe that the public reflect how they themselves think - which is not always the case.

    So as you said, debate and consultation rather than dictation and spin will be the best way to arrive at a decision which will not only benefit the local environment, but the economy also.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,109 ✭✭✭Oldtree


    I agree totally that we need a good honest debate. But how do we engage all affected citizens in that debate rather than those that have loud voices. As an example (and slightly off topic) the mayo county development plan for the next number of years had very few submissions from the general public, the vast majority being from the loud voices. It is one thing to call for involvement, sadly quite another to stimulate an interest.

    (notwithstanding that the content of submissions to the draft plan, then adjusted by managers orders, were completely overturned by the final councillors meeting back to the origional statement in the draft plan and the previous plan)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,109 ✭✭✭Oldtree


    Felt I should be more specific about my above claim about the development plan:

    The (now redundant) Mayo County Development Plan 2003-2009 stated in Development Control Guidelines: Section 4.1.2 Enforcement “In cases where development has commenced or is being carried out without planning permission or in breach of permission, the Council will consider taking enforcement action.”

    The Draft Mayo County Development Plan 2007 stated in Development Management Guidelines:

    Section 4.1.1 Enforcement “In cases where development has commenced or is being carried out without planning permission or in breach of permission, the Council will consider taking enforcement action.”

    Following public submissions The Proposed Amendments to the Draft Mayo County Development Plan 2008-2014 stated in Development Management Guidelines:

    Section 4.1.1 Enforcement “In cases where development has commenced or is being carried out without planning permission or in breach of permission, the Council will take enforcement action.”

    The Managers Report on Submissions on the Proposed Amendments to the Draft Plan, The Draft Mayo County Development Plan 2008-2014 stated in the Managers Response to proposed amendment 4.1:

    Recommendation 58: Development Management Guidelines: Section 4.1.1 Enforcement “In cases where development has commenced or is being carried out without planning permission or in breach of permission, the Council will take enforcement action in accordance with the provisions set out in Part VIII of the Planning and Development Act 2000 as amended.”

    According to the minutes of the Mayo County Council Special Meeting on Monday 6 May 2008 (attended by Council Councillors, Council Staff and the Council Solicitor)

    Item number 2 - to consider manager’s report on Submissions on the Proposed Amendments to the Draft Mayo County Development Plan 2008-2014, it was decided by resolution to amend recommendation 58 by replacing the words "take” with “consider taking”. There was no vote.

    The adopted Mayo County Development Plan 2008-2014 now states in the Development Management Guidelines: Section 4.1.1 Enforcement “In cases where development has commenced or is being carried out without planning permission or in breach of permission, the Council will “consider taking” enforcement action.”

    In my opinion this statement does not reflect the spirit of Irish or European law, and demonstrates the flaws of completely trusting the appropiate authorities.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,717 ✭✭✭LostCovey


    There;'s a lot more coverage of this topic here http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/weekend/2011/0611/1224298716471.html

    Apparently exploration licences have been issued, and this is moving forward - worth informing yourself on it whether you live in the area or not.

    LC


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,717 ✭✭✭LostCovey


    And there's a five-min video here that's 'well' worth a look (sorry that is a terrible pun)

    http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,2070533,00.html

    LC


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 205 ✭✭frackingishell


    Hi Folks,

    a petition against fracking. would really appreciate signing and forwarding of it to as many people as you think would care- took us a while to put it together.

    cheers

    http://www.change.org/petitions/ban-...ing-in-ireland

    (ps- the website might be a bit up and down today as they said they were getting cyber attacks from china after ai wei wei petition got him released before the chinese visit to Britain last week).


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 1,130 ✭✭✭tuppence


    reilig wrote: »
    I never suggested that you were a blow in.
    I am somewhat familiar with claiming our future and I admire many of their principles. I was trying to point that many of these protests are organised by people who are not from the area. They are professional protestors. They come into an area, create a load of media hype and don't allow people to hear both sides of the story. As I said in my post, I would like to hear from both sides of the argument before I make a decision. I said that I would like to have details of projects where Fracking was successful in finding Gas which supported local economies and brought significant economic development to a region with minimal environmental destruction. As I said, I'm not on either side in the argument, but I don't think its fair that one side should have all of the media attention on such an argument because it then becomes a competition between who can shout the loudest and gain the most media and support as opposed to what would be best for the local area both environmentally and economically - the area that both you and I live in.

    If people who are against fracking want to treat the issue with the respect and seriousness that it warrants, they will allow the local people to make up their own minds on what is best for their area based on information from both sides. We have had enough of being told how to think and how to react from successive government parties and look at the mess that it has gotten us into.

    Its not the 1950's. Many young people have moved back into this area at the end of their education. Levels of education are high among the majority of people and they are able to make their own decision without being influenced by anyone with a green or an economic agenda.

    Give all the facts - the good and the bad - that's being respectful to the people of the area. That's being serious. People who have an alternative agenda should keep it to themselves!!!

    EDIT:

    Just to add a quote from www.claimingourfuture.ie



    The first, second, third and fourth points are the essence of what I was trying to say above.

    I appreciate you admire most of the COF principles . So okay we wont mention the last one but if you keep mentioning 'agendas' and 'blowins; we wont be getting to solidarity any time soon!! ;):D

    Gasland the movie for those of you who havent seen it to kick start ones information journey is below . The internet site also includes information on the townlands that the licences are granted for.
    http://what-the-frack.org/gas-land-the-movie/


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3,551 ✭✭✭keep going


    could somepne explain what "fracking" is without bias


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 4,025 ✭✭✭Tipp Man


    keep going wrote: »
    could somepne explain what "fracking" is without bias

    It is simply a way of extracting oil from shale. There are huge deposits of oil in shale around the world. However it is an expensive process and only now with both a high price and falling supply (in the medium term) is it becoming economical to do it


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,109 ✭✭✭Oldtree


    keep going wrote: »
    could somepne explain what "fracking" is without bias

    see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydraulic_fracturing


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 160 ✭✭barryoc1


    Coincidentally last night on CSI on RTE 2 the series dealt with 'Fracking'. Went into it in alot of detail too. And from what i learnt it aint a good idea. Cetainly wouldnt like it happening any where near me. And i mean within 100 miles of me.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 205 ✭✭frackingishell


    Hi Barry,

    100miles? This is your country. Feck 100 miles, how bout the whole nation, how bout the whole continent. We all have a responsibility to stop blatant environmental destruction for profit, even if its up the back arse of papa new guinea.

    For the other user, For an explanation of fracking, please see this petition- the explanation is biased, but obviously the rest isnt

    http://www.change.org/petitions/ban-destructive-gas-fracking-in-ireland


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 520 ✭✭✭Pacoa




  • Closed Accounts Posts: 205 ✭✭frackingishell


    Just linked that up on the petition Pacoa- fair play



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  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 1,130 ✭✭✭tuppence


    Here is a short documentary that really sums up the threat of fracking, briefly. I hope you take a few minutes to watch. I attach the petition underneath if you feel concerned afterwards pls sign and share and make your voice heard. As you are aware this issue not just covers Leitrim, but Sligo, Donegal, Cavan and Clare. Go raibh mile maith agat.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEB_Wwe-uBM&feature=share

    http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/ban-hydraulic-fracturing-for-natural-gas-in-ireland.html


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 205 ✭✭frackingishell


    folks, i think it's about time we got a summary of the barriers this industry now need to cross before they can attempt to destroy the enviroment by fracking for gas.

    For all the vehemence of my opposition, i must confess, i just don't know whose hands this is in.

    Can anyone enlighten us? I feel that, if we had the facts of who will be responsible for allowing this disaster to happen, we can better direct our efforts of opposition, and get some accountability, and put some faces to the decisions.

    Thanks


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 520 ✭✭✭Pacoa




  • Closed Accounts Posts: 205 ✭✭frackingishell


    And still noone in Irish government has addressed the issue yet. Let's organise a march on DCENR!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20 johnk1960


    I've read this thread with interest and followed the debate. Now wouldn't it be great if we could just dig a cool €120 billion out the ground and solve the debt problem? A little sacrifice on the envioronmental front would be worth it, right?

    I'm beginning to seriously doubt this bonanza though.

    "Fracking" is drilling a vertical well about 1,000 (or less) to 5,000 feet down into the carboniferous rock then turning the bit horizontally to run through the formation. Dilute acid is pumped into the well at high pressure (up to 1,000 atmospheres) to eat into the rock - fracturing it. Then a sand solution is pumped in to force sand into the cracks in the rock so when the pressure is relieved the fissures remain open. Out bubbles the gas. Ingenious! As an engineer, I love it!

    However, the experience elsewhere has not been so happy with groundwater contamination, air pollution and other allegedly bad side effects. See:-

    http://www.fox16.com/news/local/story/Class-action-lawsuits-filed-against-six-natual/qsuFUKeZq0aKHO6iPN-WFA.cspx

    You all know the geology of our area. Look at the Shannon Pot, Marble Arch Caves, St Patricks well at Belcoo and lots of other similar places. Water flows underground in different directions in different layers of rock. If that rock is fracked how can Tamboran guarantee not to pollute the Shannon? Its impossible to see what is happening so far underground. If pollution does occur can it be stopped? Can the well be sealed? Can the cracks be sealed?

    Our economy relies on clean water (not perfect I admit, but not too bad either) for agriculture, pharmaceuticals, food production, tourism... and of course for us who drink it.

    To me the risks outweigh the rewards (and what are they for us?) and no hydraulic fracturing should be allowed in Ireland until there has been a full and complete public enquiry, not to mention a baseline study of background levels of contaminants likley to be used in fracking.


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 205 ✭✭frackingishell


    Indeed- the rewards would not be seen by us. These wells cost between 2 and ten million each to drill, and with the marginal profits on natural gas, you can bet your arse they won't be handing any money over to the Irish people.

    In fact, if you have a look at this paper below, he actually speculates that this may need government subsidy in the US to succeed. I worry they'll try the same thing here. But i also think the fact we have no money might work out in our favour.

    http://www.ifandp.com/article/0012305.html

    The one thing to remember is the fact that gas is below the 5 dolaars a unit to make this profitable (fracking )right now. This is why this is dragging out i feel. Companies, and anyone in local or national government who might support this (through ideological reasons, or they've been paid off), are no doubt waiting for gas energy prices to rise, and they'll try to strike while the iron is hot.

    Make no mistake though- the ONLY reason this isn't being pushed through faster here and in Britain, is because it is currently unprofitable to do so.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20 johnk1960


    thanks Frackingishell, very interesting article


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 141 ✭✭jinghong


    I read an article recently on the oil drum. It seems like one of the major problems is the use of hazardous chemicals that get injected into the ground to get to help get the gas out. When these chemicals come back up to the ground along with the gas, its expensive to deal with them. This means, as usual, they probably wont get dealt with properly, which means pollution on the surface.

    In the US, if someone finds gas on your land (or under it), they have to pay you royalties. In europe the law varies, but if this incentive is not there, there will be a lot more opposition to it.

    Poland has laws like the US apparently, and holds europes largest reserves of frack gas. Thats why Obama went there after visiting us recently.

    Theres no getting around that all the easy energy is gone. Now we're digging for gas that needs to huge volumes of water and nasty chemicals to get it, oil that is so far under the sea we risk massive environmental disasters to get it (the gulf oil at monadanca is still spewing btw), we're blowing the tops off mountains to get at the coal, and nuclear power plants are being used past their use by date to extract more and more dangerous energy out of them. Apart from that, Europe invaded Libya the day after they signed concessions for oil to the chineese. Now the whole middle east is going off, as we dont like the fact they are getting more assertive and want to use their own oil saudi arabia uses as much as 1.2 million barrels a day). It's only a matter of time before something major kicks off in the region, and it will probably involve israel and iran.

    This whole energy thing will b downfall of us.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 205 ✭✭frackingishell


    jinghong wrote: »
    I read an article recently on the oil drum. It seems like one of the major problems is the use of hazardous chemicals that get injected into the ground to get to help get the gas out. When these chemicals come back up to the ground along with the gas, its expensive to deal with them. This means, as usual, they probably wont get dealt with properly, which means pollution on the surface.

    In the US, if someone finds gas on your land (or under it), they have to pay you royalties. In europe the law varies, but if this incentive is not there, there will be a lot more opposition to it.

    Poland has laws like the US apparently, and holds europes largest reserves of frack gas. Thats why Obama went there after visiting us recently.

    Theres no getting around that all the easy energy is gone. Now we're digging for gas that needs to huge volumes of water and nasty chemicals to get it, oil that is so far under the sea we risk massive environmental disasters to get it (the gulf oil at monadanca is still spewing btw), we're blowing the tops off mountains to get at the coal, and nuclear power plants are being used past their use by date to extract more and more dangerous energy out of them. Apart from that, Europe invaded Libya the day after they signed concessions for oil to the chineese. Now the whole middle east is going off, as we dont like the fact they are getting more assertive and want to use their own oil saudi arabia uses as much as 1.2 million barrels a day). It's only a matter of time before something major kicks off in the region, and it will probably involve israel and iran.

    This whole energy thing will b downfall of us.

    great post jinghong.

    Interesting take on Obama's visit to Poland- i wasnt aware of that visit.

    I feel you're right about the energy causing war.

    What i really want to know is- what happened to progress in green energy? I think i mentioned this before, but i remember well being a kid in the late 80's & early 90's and being fascinated by men travelling across deserts in solar powered cars on the news. I knew then about GH gases and how the planet needed green energy. I was filled with optimism, and real excitement.

    Anyway, it's now 2011, and sweet f*ck all seems to have been achieved really! Where's the progress? We should be churning out solar panels for pennies at this point.

    I firmly believe innovation has been stifled by energy companies with a grip on the world's resources, and the private banking institutions that own these companies. They know the basics of supply and demand, and they know that with prices going up they'll become even more all powerful. The system dominating the human species is flawed, & only benefits a small proportion of the world's population. The people at the helm of this system are driving the ordinary people of the world to destroy this planet, (the only thing making life itself possible), by stripping it's resources, and forsaking everything else to keep pace with food prices, energy prices, and fake consumer demand advertising. This life-game is now all about money, and it's destroying everything else.

    Are you guys aware that there's a huge lobby in the US right now trying to get Obama to raise the mileage limits on fuel efficiency in cars? Unbelieveable right??? This is just a small indicator of how fossil fuelenergy=greed=money=enslavement. And you can see where they're coming from- the higher energy prices go- the more money they have- to hell with the environment of the planet. Greed is a fascinating thing. This lobby is funded by the oil companies and the auto industry (same thing). They want us hooked into this stuff for years to come. It's all about money. Check this out

    http://act.credoaction.com/campaign/60_mpg/
    Unfortunately they're negotiating with the auto industry who is putting enormous pressure on the administration to weaken the standards, with increased spending on lobbying1 and ads in swing states attacking high miles per gallon targets.2

    I really envy anyone who thinks any of this is happening by accident.It isn't though. Had the R&D money been sunk into Green energy, we wouldn't be where we are today. It's like this though; The people in control know that they can't regulate the price of sunshine. There's your answer. Fuel shortages, higher prices, famines, possible wars are all parts of the game.... I'd be a much happier person if i too lived in blissful ignorance.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 7,401 ✭✭✭reilig


    2 things happened in the progress of green energy:

    1. Solar panels have not been delevoped to provide enough energy to meet our needs. We do after all receive feck all sun in this country. Solar panels are great for heating water but not much use for producing electricity of fueling cars.

    2. The 1 green energy thing that we do have plenty of is wind. However, NIMBY's exist in every part of the country. Its quite difficult to secure planning for these wind farms on sites that might actually yield a good return.

    Personally I'd prefer to live beside a wind farm than a peat/coal/nuclear power plant. I'd also be much happier knowing that the energy that I'm using is produced without pollution. However, if you look at the amount of wind farms that have been objected to and subsequently refused permission because of these objections, it is legitimate to summise that the majority of people in this country don't care how the energy that they use is produced - so long as its not produced near them - through the burning of fossil fuels or most notiably green energy methods.

    great post jinghong.

    Interesting take on Obama's visit to Poland- i wasnt aware of that visit.

    I feel you're right about the energy causing war.

    What i really want to know is- what happened to progress in green energy? I think i mentioned this before, but i remember well being a kid in the late 80's & early 90's and being fascinated by men travelling across deserts in solar powered cars on the news. I knew then about GH gases and how the planet needed green energy. I was filled with optimism, and real excitement.

    Anyway, it's now 2011, and sweet f*ck all seems to have been achieved really! Where's the progress? We should be churning out solar panels for pennies at this point.

    I firmly believe innovation has been stifled by energy companies with a grip on the world's resources, and the private banking institutions that own these companies. They know the basics of supply and demand, and they know that with prices going up they'll become even more all powerful. The system dominating the human species is flawed, & only benefits a small proportion of the world's population. The people at the helm of this system are driving the ordinary people of the world to destroy this planet, (the only thing making life itself possible), by stripping it's resources, and forsaking everything else to keep pace with food prices, energy prices, and fake consumer demand advertising. This life-game is now all about money, and it's destroying everything else.

    I really envy anyone who thinks any of this is happening by accident.It isn't though. Had the R&D money been sunk into Green energy, we wouldn't be where we are today. The people in control know that they can't regulate the price of sunshine. Fuel shortages, higher prices, famines, possible wars are all parts of the game.... I'd be a much happier person if i too lived in blissful ignorance.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,807 ✭✭✭Birdnuts


    reilig wrote: »
    2 things happened in the progress of green energy:

    1. Solar panels have not been delevoped to provide enough energy to meet our needs. We do after all receive feck all sun in this country. Solar panels are great for heating water but not much use for producing electricity of fueling cars.

    2. The 1 green energy thing that we do have plenty of is wind. However, NIMBY's exist in every part of the country. Its quite difficult to secure planning for these wind farms on sites that might actually yield a good return.

    Personally I'd prefer to live beside a wind farm than a peat/coal/nuclear power plant. I'd also be much happier knowing that the energy that I'm using is produced without pollution. However, if you look at the amount of wind farms that have been objected to and subsequently refused permission because of these objections, it is legitimate to summise that the majority of people in this country don't care how the energy that they use is produced - so long as its not produced near them - through the burning of fossil fuels or most notiably green energy methods.

    I think the jury is still out on the viability of wind power - its costs 3 times per MW compared to nuclear. Unfortunanatly this is likely to be reflected in the near future on our energy bills via a PSO charge similiar too(and probably larger) then the one for the midland peat power-stations. The way its being developed in some parts of Ireland isn't particualry green eithier:(.

    PS: Personally I would have no problem living next to a modern nuclear powerstation. The French appear to be happy with nuclear power but have rejected gas fracking which is interesting to say the least;)


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 205 ✭✭frackingishell


    rellig thats my point though- these things havent been developed because there hasnt been the money put into them. I don't mean they should be in Ireland. But there should be the tech there now to cover whole areas of desert in the US and elsewhere and power half the planet! Well, ye know what i mean...

    As unrealistic as this may sound, i just hope the lads at CERN can come up with some sort of fusion technology before it's stifled or licenced by the energy companies that control the world's energy supplies .I really have lost most hope on the world energy issue- our leaders are inept, and corrupt, and plain useless.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 7,401 ✭✭✭reilig


    Birdnuts wrote: »
    PS: Personally I would have no problem living next to a modern nuclear powerstation. The French appear to be happy with nuclear power but have rejected gas fracking which is interesting to say the least;)


    I'd prefer to be living in a mud wall cabin with no job, no car and no electricity than have to live within 100 miles of a Nuclear power station!!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,807 ✭✭✭Birdnuts


    reilig wrote: »
    I'd prefer to be living in a mud wall cabin with no job, no car and no electricity than have to live within 100 miles of a Nuclear power station!!


    Those mad Frenchies!!:eek::D;)


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 1,130 ✭✭✭tuppence


    Do you come from Leitrim, Fermanagh, Sligo, Cavan, Donegal. Do you want to learn more about how fracking could effect your farming livelihood, local area and health?

    Mr Helmut Fehr German politician and respected authority on fracking is in the Mayflower Centre, Drumshanbo,
    Co Leitrim at 3pm on Saturday the 20th August.

    Come along, learn more about it.
    Spread the word


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