UNISON Northern Ireland has issued a statement of concern at the exploration activities to determine the possibility of fracking around Belcoo, County Fermanagh.
Northern Ireland head of bargaining Anne Speed pointed out that “much of Fermanagh’s local economy is built around agriculture and the environment.
“When our local branch activists brought their concerns to our annual regional council meeting last October, delegates voted overwhelmingly to support the opposition of local and wider-placed campaigners.
“UNISON undertook to lobby the NI executive for an independent environmental impact assessment for all such developments.
“In addition,” Ms Speed continued, “we pursued our concerns further in its manifesto sent to all local election candidates in May 2014 when we called for ‘an end to fracking in Fermanagh due to the associated environmental and health risks’.
“We will continue to support the community campaign of opposition and are committed to playing an active part in responding to environmental problems within NI.
“We will continue to call for the development of our economy through genuine investment in green jobs and green energy.”
