Minister to seek ban on oil and gas exploration

Minister for Transport, Environment and Climate Eamon Ryan will today seek Cabinet approval to introduce legislation to ban oil and gas exploration.

Mr Ryan is aiming to add a provision to the Climate Action Bill to advance this change.

The ending of oil and gas exploration and extraction is a commitment in the Programme for Government.

It was one the most contentious items in the lengthy Government formation talks last year and one of the final measures agreed following pressure from the Green Party negotiators.

The legislative proposal will involve repealing sections of the 1960 Petroleum and other Minerals Development Act.

It will mean that no new licences for oil or gas exploration will be issued.

Other amendments to the Climate Action Bill are also being considered and Minister Ryan is set to bring the final text to Government shortly.

Article Source: Minister to seek ban on oil and gas exploration – RTE – Mícháel Lehane

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