Stormont ministers have backed a ban on fracking in Northern Ireland.
The Executive endorsed a proposal tabled by Economy minister Conor Murphy to prohibit onshore oil and gas exploration and production in the region.
Also known as hydraulic fracturing, fracking is a controversial process by which liquid is pumped deep underground at high pressure to fracture shale rock and release gas or oil trapped within it.
(PA Graphics)
After Thursday’s meeting, Mr Murphy said the move took Northern Ireland a step closer to ending its reliance on fossil fuels.
“I welcome the Executive’s collective commitment to tackling our ongoing dependence on fossil fuels,” he said.
“Reaching our net zero target by 2050 is both a legal requirement and a moral obligation which is why decarbonisation is central to my economic plans.
“I have listened to what the citizens across the north have had to say on this issue through the public consultation earlier this year and they overwhelmingly supported my proposal to ban onshore petroleum exploration and production.
“This action today takes us a step closer to ending our over reliance on fossil fuels which are at the mercy of unstable global commodity prices.
“It will help my department focus all its efforts on supporting the development and generation of renewable energy. Today’s announcement also brings us into line with other jurisdictions like the south of Ireland and Wales.
“I will introduce legislation to the Assembly to ban onshore petroleum licensing. This will require amendments to the Petroleum (Production) Act (Northern Ireland) 1964 and other regulations.”
Mr Murphy added: “The time involved in drafting and consulting on the legislation as well as allowing for committee scrutiny means that the legislation will be introduced in late 2025.
“In the meantime, my department will not accept or process onshore petroleum licensing applications.”
There are no active licences currently in operation in Northern Ireland.