Fracking in Lough Allen

Chipboard

This is pretty unbelievable but I was watching CSI tonight (the episode was still on until a few minutes ago but I'm so shocked at what I've found that I turned down the volume to concentrate on this).

The episode was about fracking out in Nevada. In the story dead bodies start turning up and it seems that the people were being killed because they were trying to expose pollution caused by fracking which is a method for extracting natural gas from shale beds deep underground.

I googled fracking and basically what it involves is as follows; they drill down into the earth. Next they line the borehole with concrete. Then they detonate explosives to crack the shale beds. Then they pump down a mixture of chemicals, water and sand at high pressure. After the water and chemicals seep away the sand keeps the cracks in the shale open so that the gas can be extracted.

There is an obvious issue concerning where all the chemicals go.

In the story people were dying of cancer and other illnesses. The tap water was so contaminated that when one of the CSI's put a lighter to it, it went on fire. I was putting this down to the overactive imagination of the writers of CSI until I stumbled on the following. If you live in the North west especially Leitrim or Sligo, you should definitely listen to this;

http://tnsradio.ning.com/video/fracking-for-gas-in-lough

(when you get to the end of the first segment, if you wait, part II appears)

The programme (Drivetime with Mary Wilson) which was aired on Radio 1 a few weeks ago confirms the health risks, the environmental efffects and even the fact that tap water in areas of the States wherre this has been done, has become flammable.

I can't believe that the Numpty's in Leinster House issued licences to company's to carry this out. Are they looking for another Bellanaboy?

What are other people's views on this?

tuppence

Chipboard wrote: »

This is pretty unbelievable but I was watching CSI tonight (the episode was still on until a few minutes ago but I'm so shocked at what I've found that I turned down the volume to concentrate on this).

The episode was about fracking out in Nevada. In the story dead bodies start turning up and it seems that the people were being killed because they were trying to expose pollution caused by fracking which is a method for extracting natural gas from shale beds deep underground.

I googled fracking and basically what it involves is as follows; they drill down into the earth. Next they line the borehole with concrete. Then they detonate explosives to crack the shale beds. Then they pump down a mixture of chemicals, water and sand at high pressure. After the water and chemicals seep away the sand keeps the cracks in the shale open so that the gas can be extracted.

There is an obvious issue concerning where all the chemicals go.

In the story people were dying of cancer and other illnesses. The tap water was so contaminated that when one of the CSI's put a lighter to it, it went on fire. I was putting this down to the overactive imagination of the writers of CSI until I stumbled on the following. If you live in the North west especially Leitrim or Sligo, you should definitely listen to this;

http://tnsradio.ning.com/video/fracking-for-gas-in-lough

(when you get to the end of the first segment, if you wait, part II appears)

The programme (Drivetime with Mary Wilson) which was aired on Radio 1 a few weeks ago confirms the health risks, the environmental efffects and even the fact that tap water in areas of the States wherre this has been done, has become flammable.

I can't believe that the Numpty's in Leinster House issued licences to company's to carry this out. Are they looking for another Bellanaboy?

What are other people's views on this?

And when people are finished listening to the Drive time documentary the Gasland film is on line to watch on this new website which also has a facebook page for further information.
http://what-the-frack.org/gas-land-the-movie/

Btw this is an issue for Donegal as well as, Sligo, and Leitrim, etc

revontulet

this is really horrible. can't believe anyone in ireland is going to let this happen. has the fracking started already?

Chipboard

revontulet wrote: »

this is really horrible. can't believe anyone in ireland is going to let this happen. has the fracking started already?

No, the licences they have limit them to drilling 200 ft for research purposes but I hear they have started doing that.

I spoke to a Fine Gael TD on Saturday about it. I was seeking his support for the anti side. He wasn't supportive. The greed has started already. If thisnt stopped now they will be at it until the whole region is destroyed.

We wanted to buy a house and settle up here but we re not even looking at houses in Leitrim now - you couldn't consider it until you know which way this is going to go.

ajjmk

Saw a poster about this in Subway today..

revontulet

Chipboard wrote: »

No, the licences they have limit them to drilling 200 ft for research purposes but I hear they have started doing that.

:mad:

How can one find out where they are drilling for research? how dangerous/polluting are these 200ft test drillings?

Chipboard

I doubt if the test drilling will pollute but if they determine that extraction is viable that will be the end of us as they will do anything they can to get their hands on it. If this is going to be stopped it has to be stopped now.

rainyrun

this is really shocking!!.. surely people will take to the streets over this.. it appears to be even worse then what was happening in mayo with the shell line!!.. i am horrified that this is even being entertained by our politicians...

toby08

politicians dont care only when it becomes a scandal will anything happen eg dead bodies

muffler

toby08 wrote: »

will anything happen eg dead bodies

Can you explain that comment to me please?

tuppence

This is the official petition now online. Sign and share.

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

MeerKat17

This is incredibly shocking, I watched Gasland when it came out but never thought it could possibly come to Ireland, I guess I was wrong. It would cause to our health not to mention the environment. I really hope this does not go ahead, but with the fat cats in this country no doubt it will. Which is more important, our health, the health and well being of future generations and the environment, or making the rich richer?

toby08

toby08 wrote: »

politicians dont care only when it becomes a scandal will anything happen eg dead bodies

politicians as I said dont care this will be allowed go ahead it is only when an incident such as gas release, fire etc. and someone gets hurt or injured will anyone in authority take notice.It is a dangerous form of exploration we should bear the following in mind
the accident black spot is never dealt with until a tradgedy occurs, the same with school busses ,nursing homes the list is endless

garth-marenghi

Did anyone else see the propaganda, sorry i mean well researched non partisan article in the Leitrim Observer yesterday in which Richard Moorman of Tamboran was interviewed?

It was pretty shocking stuff. Leitrim will be the epicentre of exploration (according to Moorman he likes what he sees there, and the best gas is in Leitrim) with potentially hundreds of wells been built with no reference to how this will impact on the visual beauty of the county, pollution, huge volumes of traffic etc. He also doesnt anticipate any problems with the EPA and getting a license will be "straightforward". I hope it is anything but straightforward. These should be some of the most stringent environmental checks carried out in the state. His confidence is very disconcerting.

In refernece to the charges laid against Fracking that it caused environmental and health damage he stated this is due to poor workmanship and malpractice. He must have a poor memory as he (and the Leitrim Observer) neglected to metion that the company for which he previously worked, South-Western Energy is the subject of lawsuits in America for damage caused by Fracking.

Maybe this is what he is talking about when he states that "we dont want people to hate us, we want to do the right thing from day one".
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/story/2011/05/24/nb-southwestern-lawsuit-hydro-fracking-551.html


This article in the Observer was total pr spin and weak journalistic work with Moorman not challenged to any great extent on his assertions. Or maybe we were supposed to be reassured about our concerns when Moorman assured the readers that they will be using "fancy equipment" in the process.:eek:


http://www.leitrimobserver.ie:80/news/hundreds_of_gas_wells_to_be_constructed_on_lough_allen_basin_1_2838663

toby08

followed your threads and what the whole fracking scenario seems to be a fiasco.The theory is well presented and gives a very safe impression but everywhere these operations have taken place there seems to have been issues.I think our local councils and government have in these instances to err on the side of caution.

tuppence

Good and brief documentary. Good one to share to friends on Facebook as gives a good introduction.

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

DB10

I've been told this fracking is banned in France and parts of the UK because of the serious health dangers involved.

If this goes ahead its a ****ing disgrace, people are already not considering moving to the area because of it.

One thing is for sure I will never be voting for these crooks in Government FG and Labour if they implement this, and FF after starting the process. Never have never will, they do not care about this part of the country.....:mad:

JupiterKid

I've only become aware of the practice of "fracking" in the past few days and it is a truly horrendous way of extracting natural gas from shale layers. Some companies are pumping all types of highly toxic chemicals - like compounds of benzene, sulfuric acid and mercury compounds into the rock and much of the contaminated water seeps into aquifers and poisons people's drinking water.

The plans for the Lough Allen basin have to be nipped in the bud and very soon. The stakes are very high and involve not just Lough Allen and its vicinity but the entire River Shannon basin. The proposals for Lough Allen make the Mayo Corrib Gas pipeline controversy seem like nothing in comparison.

tuppence

New website there with plenty of information and resources to download. And the petition is there too.

http://frackingfreeireland.org/

tuppence

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



Come along, learn more about it.
Spread the word.

tuppence

Shale Gas Extraction Information Exhibition

at 1pm on Wednesday 24th August until 4pm Friday 26th, at Leitrim Sculpture Centre, Manorhamilton.

This exhibition presents a range of information about the hydraulic fracturing process (fracking) and intends to provide an impartial view of some of the issues surrounding the proposed extraction of shale gas in Ireland.

The exhibition will include various EU and National reports on fracking, recent films on the effects of fracking, a range of web links, research tools and information, posters and prints.

What is fracking? See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydraulic_fracturing

An artist led project, in association with local discussion groups and LSC.

tuppence

Fracking article on Prime Time tonight. Came down to Leitrim Manorhamilton and Drumshanbo on Tuesday. Also talked with the main company. Small studio discussion too.

Brace yourselves for the company line of wanting to do right by us....They're obv not getting a profit outa it at all.

tuppence

For those who missed last Thursdays Prime Time from Leitrim almost 15 mins in.

http://www.rte.ie/player/#!v=1109605

tuppence

Lough Allen Conservation Society
is hosting a public information/discussion on the issue of 'Hydraulic Fracturing ('fracking') for shale gas in the Northwest Carboniferous Region*
Location - The Bush Hotel, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co.Leitrim.
Date/Time - Thursday, September 1st, 8pm

This is a public meeting with a short presentation and an open discussion.

All public representatives and interested groups including IFA, Waterways Ireland, Coillte etc.. have been invited to attend.

This issue is causing great concern among all sections of local communities.

IPushButtons

Theres noting wrong with fracking, provided it's done properly there will be no damage to the environment. I am dubious as to the OP's qualifications on this matter i mean come on people "I seen it on an episode of CSI" "Heres a YouTube documentary"

JupiterKid

IPushButtons wrote: »

Theres noting wrong with fracking, provided it's done properly there will be no damage to the environment. I am dubious as to the OP's qualifications on this matter i mean come on people "I seen it on an episode of CSI" "Heres a YouTube documentary"

You woudn't be an employee of the gas exploration company, now would you?:rolleyes:

I have read up a lot of peer reviewed reports on the use of fracking to extract natural gas and they are all, with no exception, highly critical of the fracking process and the chemicals used in fracking.

The exploration company now claims that there will be no chemicals used at all in the fracking at Lough Allen. This has never been done before and is believed to be impossible.

IPushButtons

JupiterKid wrote: »

You woudn't be an employee of the gas exploration company, now would you?:rolleyes:

Hahahah please you'll drive the conspiracy nuts, well, nuts hahah

garth-marenghi

IPushButtons wrote: »

Theres noting wrong with fracking, provided it's done properly there will be no damage to the environment. I am dubious as to the OP's qualifications on this matter i mean come on people "I seen it on an episode of CSI" "Heres a YouTube documentary"

What exactly are your qualifications on the matter that we should believe you that there is "nothing wrong with fracking"? I dont claim to be an expert but am jtrying to educate myself with the best available resources. There is a vast amount of information, governmental reports, european union and academic studies, documentary films etc that all highlight serious concern and raise serious doubts about the process. Check out the Fracking Free Ireland website that has already been mentioned to see a compilation of a lot of this material.

IPushButtons

garth-marenghi wrote: »

What exactly are your qualifications on the matter that we should believe you that there is "nothing wrong with fracking"?

Hi Mate, good question i've not worked in the gas business, although i have worked in the mining industry in Australia blasting iron ore. Nothing to do with the gas industry as i've said, but i did work closely with mine engineers, management level health and safety and business improvement experts who have all worked in the gas industry, highly educated and intelligent people. Having asked them about fracking they all say the same thing. That is that, yes there is a possibility of water and soil contamination if the wells are not built to a high standard. However if there are (built to a high standard) there are no risks to the environment.

Lets think about this logically, a company set up a well and starts the mining process, now if were to believe most of the opinions on this thread, (that fracking is not safe) then the companies in question are acting irresponsibly and are doing so with the consent of the government, what that is a conspiracy you guys are talking about it a conspiracy to pollute the environment in order to secure profits. I don't believe that to be the case, i believe that these will act in a socially responsible and professional manner. If they don't there are unlikely to be given future licenses to exploit gas in the future ( in this county). Im not saying that there won't be im saying that the company does not set out to cause harm to the environment it's in the companies own interest not to pollute the environment so that they may acquire more gas contracts in the future.



I don't want you to think that im bagging on you guys you've got questions and you think it's dangerous, fine, If this were taking place in my area then i'd want assurances from my local politicians that the process is safe and i would also ask them to ask the company to come to local town meeting and enplane the process to the locals, but as for just seeing some docos on the web that says fracking in bad and then taking that opinion as fact, simply put it's not fact it opinion. Against my better judgement i've found this YT doco about fracking which confirms what i've been told already by the people i have worked with.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NW_xJqPjE_I

garth-marenghi wrote: »

Check out the Fracking Free Ireland website that has already been mentioned to see a compilation of a lot of this material.

As for this website im not going to look at it, the reason for this is the title of the website . The title "Fracking Free Ireland" tells me right of the bat that this website is bias in that they want Ireland to be free of fracking.



Peace



IPB

tuppence

IPushButtons wrote: »

Hi Mate, good question i've not worked in the gas business, although i have worked in the mining industry in Australia blasting iron ore. Nothing to do with the gas industry as i've said, but i did work closely with mine engineers, management level health and safety and business improvement experts who have all worked in the gas industry, highly educated and intelligent people. Having asked them about fracking they all say the same thing. That is that, yes there is a possibility of water and soil contamination if the wells are not built to a high standard. However if there are (built to a high standard) there are no risks to the environment.

Lets think about this logically, a company set up a well and starts the mining process, now if were to believe most of the opinions on this thread, (that fracking is not safe) then the companies in question are acting irresponsibly and are doing so with the consent of the government, what that is a conspiracy you guys are talking about it a conspiracy to pollute the environment in order to secure profits. I don't believe that to be the case, i believe that these will act in a socially responsible and professional manner. If they don't there are unlikely to be given future licenses to exploit gas in the future ( in this county). Im not saying that there won't be im saying that the company does not set out to cause harm to the environment it's in the companies own interest not to pollute the environment so that they may acquire more gas contracts in the future.



I don't want you to think that im bagging on you guys you've got questions and you think it's dangerous, fine, If this were taking place in my area then i'd want assurances from my local politicians that the process is safe and i would also ask them to ask the company to come to local town meeting and enplane the process to the locals, but as for just seeing some docos on the web that says fracking in bad and then taking that opinion as fact, simply put it's not fact it opinion. Against my better judgement i've found this YT doco about fracking which confirms what i've been told already by the people i have worked with.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NW_xJqPjE_I




As for this website im not going to look at it, the reason for this is the title of the website . The title "Fracking Free Ireland" tells me right of the bat that this website is bias in that they want Ireland to be free of fracking.



Peace



IPB

The process isnt safe because of documented evidence that it is not safe. It is using a technology that is new and hasnt been proven. It is not safe because we dont have the proper national or European laws to monitor it yet. (see below) The shortage of fossill fuels has meant that governments and compaaies are willing to take greater risks to get at the scarcer natural resources. The Americain governement legitimised taking risks and the gas companies continously spin with them and say its to ensure self sufficiency from the 'gulf' mentioned again in that documentary you posted. But this has led to dire consequences as evidenced in America. The Environmental Protection Agency was not monitoring in the states. This has led to people being badly let down in terms of the consequences to their health livlihood and environment. Alot of those documented cases would be from the lawsuits. Too many firms werent acting very responsibly for the common good time and time agin as they denied any wrong doing consistently to the landowners, thus forcing the landowners to go to court to prove it.

There has been enough ducumented cases for governments to halt and ban this procedure, including France, South Africa, parts of America and Germany. Maybe you should ask them were they dealing with conspiracies or logic?

If you want to sound like your talking logically you shouldnt be taking the word of the guys in the industry (whatever they might be blasting at the time!) because of their vested interest. Large Private companies who have one eye on their shares lose their social responibilities fairly fast if they need to cut corners. And do you really think it is logical to advise that people seek reassurence from these companies as self samed guardians of our environment? I certainly dont think that is safe. Independent sources are the only way of evaluating this situation. And for example in the recent European Parliaments recent report on the Impacts of Shale gas on oil on the environement and human health says in its conclusions pg 77

Finally, some risk is inherent to uncontrolled fracturing which results in uncontrolled mobilization of fracture liquids or even of the natural gas itself. For instance, it is well known that small earthquakes can be induced by hydraulic fracturing which might mobilize gas or fluids through “naturally” created fractures. Experience from the USA shows that in practise many accidents happen. Too often,companies are fined from official authorities for violations. These accidents are partly caused by leaky or malfunctioning equipment, partly caused by bad practises in order to save costs and time, partly due to unprofessional casing of the wells and partly due to groundwater contamination through undetected leaks.[/I]h
http://www.ledevoir.com/documents/pdf/europe_gaz.pdf


But if we continously talk of the process we are only looking of one of the negatives of this issue. Its the noise, its the land coverage of the hundreds of wells, its the roads and large truck containers to service them its the industrialisation of a rural area. Its about focusing on a proven dirty industry instead of renewables.

But fundamentally its about the community been included in decesion making and the potential once again for misinformation and money to get in the way of what is a close knit rural area. Shame on our politicians for not being proactive to ensure full and proper negotiation and consulation, with independent experts and research.

Theres no conspiracy theories here only people who got badly let down before by a bunch of speculators in the past. Many have learnt harsh lessons and want to protect whats precious to them. We have nothing left except the land we stand on and more private specalators and governement want to take this from under us and our children too.

People are trying to get at the truth and researching the information themselves within a context of sleepwalking in the most part by our political representatives. If anything people have learnt is to exercise caution this time and proper vigilance and that surely aint a bad thing, its quite rationale.

Peace T

tuppence

Peaceful demonstration organised for outside Leitrim CO Co offices tomorrow Monday at 4.30pm. This is to coincide with Tamboran meeting with Leitrim Co Co inside.
If you want to make a placard, you can download the following (another to follow later)

Spunkypoo

Tamboran are meeting with the public this evening at 7pm in the Bush Hotel, Carrick-on-Shannon.

Penfailed

To anyone who thinks it is 'safe' - they pump a mixture of water, sand and chemicals into the ground. Where does the chemical part of the mixture end up?

tuppence

Spunkypoo wrote: »

Tamboran are meeting with the public this evening at 7pm in the Bush Hotel, Carrick-on-Shannon.

This is the update. Dont think it panned out the way they hoped.

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2011/0909/1224303759867.html

tuppence

Doing the North Leitrim Glens Run or Know someone who is?

This is an alert for those of you who may know people who are doing the North Leitrim Glens Run run tomorrow or may be doing the run yourself.
We would love to have as many runners out in the Farming not Fracking tshirts as we can. Pls ask around and try to get a herd going.

For more info on how to get them pls pm me asap.

tuppence

PEACEFUL PROTEST SATURDAY 17TH SEPTEMBER. SLIGO PARK HOTEL CAR PARK, 8PM. Pat Rabbitte Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, will be attending a function at the Sligo Park Hotel on saturday evening 17th September. We hope to make the Minister aware of the degree of local opposition to the awarding of licenses to gas companies and our opinions about hydraulic fracturing in Ireland. Please attend this peaceful protest. Numbers will speak.

charlemont

Fracking is a form of terrorism against the land.

InquiringMind

Here is a list of some of the chemicals used in fracking, some nasty stuff in there

terenurebob

Don't know if anyone else has read this or not.... Poland has decided to go with full scale production in 2014 while France has banned the practiceL http://uk.news.yahoo.com/poland-targets-2014-shale-gas-debut-125507849.html

The main issue I have with this is what are they going to do if it all goes wrong. It's isn't like an oil spill that they can "clean" up. What do they do if they crack the rock and the gas starts leaking up through the ground? How will they ever clean up that mess!!! Then entire length of the Shannon from Lough Allen to Limerick will be ruined for generations, won't it?

The worst part about all of this is that Ireland has enough wind energy that electricity should nearly be free. We could even harness solar energy, plenty of people do this today to heat water in their homes.

If this gas is so hard to get at then we shouldn't be trying to get it. The risk of the damage to the environment for something that is not a renewable energy source doesn't seem like a good bet considering there are alternatives.

Don't we have the brains to the use the raw materials available on this island to use renewable sources?

Ditch

Where's 'Ming' Flanagan on all this? I don't have a Facebook account ~ nor will I ever! I don't " Tweet ".

But, viewing his own web site? All he's " tweeted " there is that there's to be some public meeting about fracking. I can't find any expression of his personal opinion on the issues anywhere.

I've just tried to email him; Seems my email address isn't valid? Really? I've been getting mails on it all night. I c/p'd it into his 'form'. Then I typed it. Won't let me approach Ming though.

Curioser and curioser ....!

macshadow

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U01EK76Sy4A&NR=1
Tap water on fire:eek: it could be seeping into your home and you wouldn't know it, it being odorless in its natural state.

garth-marenghi

Ditch wrote: »

Where's 'Ming' Flanagan on all this? I don't have a Facebook account ~ nor will I ever! I don't " Tweet ".

But, viewing his own web site? All he's " tweeted " there is that there's to be some public meeting about fracking. I can't find any expression of his personal opinion on the issues anywhere.

I've just tried to email him; Seems my email address isn't valid? Really? I've been getting mails on it all night. I c/p'd it into his 'form'. Then I typed it. Won't let me approach Ming though.

Curioser and curioser ....!

He attended the Carrick on Shannon public information meeting in september hosted by the Lough Allen Conservation Society. He spoke powerfully from the floor during the questions and answers. He said that he was opposed to Fracking before the meeting and was even more opposed to it after the he had heard the various speakers.

Ditch

Thanks for that, Garth. Good to hear.

Even better to hear though would be some reports from the man himself.

Without jumping on the whole 'Dope Fiend / Hippy / Eco Warrior' image thing, I'd have thought a guy like Luke presents himself to be would be absolutely incandescent about all this ~ and bloody well making his feelings plain and heard.

I'm totally disappointed with what I've found coming from the man himself

stranger2011

tuppence wrote: »

New website there with plenty of information and resources to download. And the petition is there too.

http://frackingfreeireland.org/

I'm concerned, even worried about fracking and the potential it has to damage our local ecosystem, but that site is just embarassing. If I believed in conspiracy theories I'd say it was created by the fracking companies to discredit any possible protests. Just looking at it made me want to distance myself from everyone involved, and I'm on the same bloody side.

For example: the site subtitle is "Keep the frogs in and the frackers out!". To highlight that, there are pictures of frogs. What have frogs got to do with it? Nothing apparently. The front page also includes a poem. And there's a 'movies and songs' page. frogs? songs? really? Is Paul McCartney onboard?

Since this is such a potentially serious issue, the information around it should have a serious tone. This site discredits the entire movement.

tuppence

stranger2011 wrote: »

I'm concerned, even worried about fracking and the potential it has to damage our local ecosystem, but that site is just embarassing. If I believed in conspiracy theories I'd say it was created by the fracking companies to discredit any possible protests. Just looking at it made me want to distance myself from everyone involved, and I'm on the same bloody side.

For example: the site subtitle is "Keep the frogs in and the frackers out!". To highlight that, there are pictures of frogs. What have frogs got to do with it? Nothing apparently. The front page also includes a poem. And there's a 'movies and songs' page. frogs? songs? really? Is Paul McCartney onboard?

Since this is such a potentially serious issue, the information around it should have a serious tone. This site discredits the entire movement.

I would say that is a bit harsh. You must not have looked at all the site. It has excellently compiled alot of the peer reviewed research out there,and press releases. If the frogs put you off it is useful to get feedback, because like any voluntary campaign it is run by volunteers who are doing the utmost best. Btw I have heard that problem with the 'frogs' before, welcome your feedback and have given it back to teh relevant person.
Dont actually agee tho with your assesment of the input of poems and stuff, you will note that alot of campaigns use poems and songs and art have educational as well as morale purposes for what can be a long road. (Its a long way to Tipperary!) Just another form of communication really to give out information. I particularly like this song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTKpxHg9Z3s

tuppence

Hi Public information event coming up in Manorhamilton on Tuesday. Called Love Leitrim...
Gas Mining: Our Future?
Tuesday, 18th Oct, 7.30pm, Bee park Manorhamilton,

tuppence

Thught frontline was bad. Things dont add up here as well but we have more to lose.
http://what-the-frack.org/

Ditch

garth-marenghi wrote: »

(Luke Flanagan) said that he was opposed to Fracking before the meeting and was even more opposed to it after the he had heard the various speakers.

OK. Just to update here: I've exchanged email with Luke and, yeppers, he does say ..... well, I'm not happy to quote the mans private email.

But, yes; He's personally assured me that he's not a happy bunny, regarding some extremely fundamental aspects of the situation.


On a separate note; Maybe I'm a cynical old b@stard? Perhaps I don't meet and talk to real people enough? I dunno.

Only, my neighbours here are few and far between. Spoke to one today though: He's selling up and moving out.

Spoke to another, some while back. Cattle farmer. Got some land. His look said it all: 'My days of shifting silage will soon be over! I'll be Rich!'

Scary. And his children will inherit a few grand in the bank. And hundreds of acres of Biological Waste Land.

As for what their kids stand to reap from all this .....

il gatto

Would fracking be contemplated in Wicklow, Kerry or Connemara? Donegal? Clare? No f@cking way would it. Leitrim is being sold a pup with this. Once up and running job numbers would be minimal. They cannot assure safety with such an unreliable and unrefined practice.
My big worry is as mentioned above. Whilst the majority will be against it, there are those that are greedy and those that are broke who will not refuse the money for their land. This will lead to a community at war with itself. No good will come of it.
Furthermore, the last thing Leitrim needs is professional tree huggers coming on board. Ex UCD students with smelly jumpers and wispy facial hair will only serve to discredit the legitamate concerns of the local population. Sons and daughters of professional parents on an extended gap year, getting on thier moral high horse on behalf of locals will turn out like the Corrib Gas fiasco, where initial public support turned to apathy and then distaste, watching ne'er do well wasters sitting under plant machinery and spraypainting portaloos.
The profile needs to be raised in the national media more and opposition so fierce that the current government should be afraid to do anything else but recind the licences granted by the last shower.

tuppence

il gatto wrote: »

Would fracking be contemplated in Wicklow, Kerry or Connemara? Donegal? Clare? No f@cking way would it. Leitrim is being sold a pup with this. Once up and running job numbers would be minimal. They cannot assure safety with such an unreliable and unrefined practice.
My big worry is as mentioned above. Whilst the majority will be against it, there are those that are greedy and those that are broke who will not refuse the money for their land. This will lead to a community at war with itself. No good will come of it.
Furthermore, the last thing Leitrim needs is professional tree huggers coming on board. Ex UCD students with smelly jumpers and wispy facial hair will only serve to discredit the legitamate concerns of the local population. Sons and daughters of professional parents on an extended gap year, getting on thier moral high horse on behalf of locals will turn out like the Corrib Gas fiasco, where initial public support turned to apathy and then distaste, watching ne'er do well wasters sitting under plant machinery and spraypainting portaloos.
The profile needs to be raised in the national media more and opposition so fierce that the current government should be afraid to do anything else but recind the licences granted by the last shower.

I know that Gaslands the award winning film/documentary has its critics, but it would be a great way to start a national debate on this if RTE ever put it on.

il gatto

tuppence wrote: »

il gatto wrote: »

Would fracking be contemplated in Wicklow, Kerry or Connemara? Donegal? Clare? No f@cking way would it. Leitrim is being sold a pup with this. Once up and running job numbers would be minimal. They cannot assure safety with such an unreliable and unrefined practice.
My big worry is as mentioned above. Whilst the majority will be against it, there are those that are greedy and those that are broke who will not refuse the money for their land. This will lead to a community at war with itself. No good will come of it.
Furthermore, the last thing Leitrim needs is professional tree huggers coming on board. Ex UCD students with smelly jumpers and wispy facial hair will only serve to discredit the legitamate concerns of the local population. Sons and daughters of professional parents on an extended gap year, getting on thier moral high horse on behalf of locals will turn out like the Corrib Gas fiasco, where initial public support turned to apathy and then distaste, watching ne'er do well wasters sitting under plant machinery and spraypainting portaloos.
The profile needs to be raised in the national media more and opposition so fierce that the current government should be afraid to do anything else but recind the licences granted by the last shower.

I know that Gaslands the award winning film/documentary has its critics, but it would be a great way to start a national debate on this if RTE ever put it on.

That's to assume RTE has the public interest at heart. I don't believe that it does. And with Pat Kenny earning most a million in 2009 and Marian Finnucane earning half a million for 4 hours broadcasting a week, why would they care?
I believe the independent broadcasters are more likely to rock the boat.