Fracking is an emotively driven environmental issue – but the Irish government could do worse than follow the UK in opening up the market here for exploration, writes Aaron McKenna.
Photographer Sean Breithaupt travelled to Dimock Township, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania and spoke to people who have had their lives impacted by fracking.
Initial investigations suggest there could be a major gas reserve in the north-west of the country – but the possible use of fracking to extract the gas is highly controversial.
However, the Environmental Protection Agency has said it would be unlikely that somebody with no links to the fossil fuel industry could produce a report on fracking processes.
A study in Poland has found that shale gas extraction at one site produced some toxic refuse but that the waste was reused and didn’t harm the environment.
A company has said that the gas in north-west Ireland could lead to hundreds of jobs – but environmentalists have urged caution over the controversial technique.
Those charged are believed to have been officials from Poland’s environment ministry and companies who carry out the controversial exploration for shale gas.
Clare County Council has agreed a total ban on fracking and is urging the government to implement a national ban on the process, but what do you think?
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In tonight’s Fix: The presidential candidates doing well in the latest opinion polls; tributes flow for Steve Jobs, and who is the Irish Examiner columnist who is accused of plagiarism?
The possibility that hydraulic drilling could be carried out in the northwest has raised concern among environmental activists, residents, and politicians.
FRANCE HAS BECOME the 14th country to legalise same-sex marriage after President Francois Hollande signed the measure into law today following months of bitter political debate.
In Ireland last month, 79 per cent of delegates at the Constitutional Convention voted in favour of same-sex marriage but the Government will hold off on a referendum until next year despite the overwhelming support.
It comes two years after the legalisation of Civil Partnership.
Is another year too long for a referendum on gay marriage? Or, are you opposed to the idea entirely?
So today, we want to know what do you think. Would you welcome the legalisation of same-sex marriage in Ireland today, similar to France?
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