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Gas exploration off Malin Head
coast?
11.12.07
THE possibility of oil
and gas mining off the coast of Malin Head will be
up for discussion at a public meeting tonight in
Carndonagh.
The meeting will be hosted by MAOR - a non-party
political group formed in response to the issues
surrounding gas exploration and licensing off the
Donegal coastline. MAOR member Marian Farrell
explains: "We are seeking open consultation, better
terms with regard to the licensing to benefit the
people of Ireland and debate about the possible
environmental effects of any developments." Branches
of MAOR have now been formed in Letterkenny, Gaoth
Dobhair, south Donegal and most recently Derry. |
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The group says there
has been growing interest and growing concern among
Inishowen people about how gas exploration will
affect their community and environment.
"People in Inishowen want to know what is happening
and are very concerned about the lack of information
there has been about the licences for exploration, |
where and how the gas
will be brought ashore and whether there are plans
for a refinery here or elsewhere in the county,"
said another MAOR member, Paula Leonard.
"There’s been a lot of misinformation and also
people don’t realise what’s going on here. This is a
great opportunity for people to find out more and to
get involved in the campaign."
There are currently nine frontier exploration
licences and five petroleum prospecting licences
outstanding for areas off the Donegal coast. MAOR
said areas which may be affected by exploration and
commercial mining include Malin Head, Tory Island,
Gaoth Dobhair, Burtonport, Killybegs and
Ballyshannon. Tonight's meeting will take place at
8pm in the Inishowen Carnival Group offices,
Bridgetown Business Park, Moville Road, Carndonagh. |
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