Mining company plan to use ‘fracking’ in Leitrim and Fermanagh
Geraldine McNamara, PRO, Republican Sinn Féin, said that the announcement by an Australian mining company Tamboran Resources that it intends to use fracking for mining in Co Leitrim and Co Fermanagh should be firmly opposed by local people in the area.
“Fracking is a process in which millions of gallons of chemical fluid is forced up to a mile beneath the surface to crack the rocks and release the natural gasses in them,” she said. “Much of the waste then returns to the surface and causes pollution in the environment.
“There is also much speculation that it also causes earth quakes and a recent New York Times investigation claimed the wasted water contained dangerously high levels of radioactivity.
“Many councils have now voted to ban this practice in their areas,” Geraldine said, and she called on Leitrim and Fermanagh Councils to now do the same and safeguard their environment and local people’s health and wellbeing.
“The promise of jobs in our present economic climate should not be put before health and safety and profit should not be put before people.
“Republican Sinn Fein voted at its recent Ard-Fheis to oppose fracking and support locals in their campaign against this practice.”
Derry Fleadh is a blow to Irish culture
The decision by the executive of Comhaltas Ceoltóiri Éireann to stage Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Derry in 2013 is a major blow to Irish culture and the arts as it coincides with the city's hosting of the "UK City of Culture." The Fleadh will be overshadowed by the "UK City of Culture" events and runs the risk of becoming a sideshow in the celebration of Derry being a "British" city. Irish music will now be portrayed as a genre of British culture instead of being a unique part of the distinct Irish culture.
Derry is an Irish city and it should not be celebrating British culture neither should Irish culture be subverted in this manner to enhance British culture. It is no surprise that this decision comes after considerable pressure has been brought to bear by those who openly support Ireland being part of the "United Kingdom."
