Hollywood star Mark Ruffalo has applauded an “unexpected turn of events” that saw Northern Ireland’s DUP Economy Minister reveal his opposition to fracking.
The decade-long environmental activist has been vocal in his support of campaigns against oil and gas exploration and extraction across Ulster.
Gordon Lyons revealed in an Assembly speech on Sinn Fein’s proposed Fracking Bill this week that his department’s preferred option on fracking as well as oil and gas exploration in Northern Ireland is a moratorium followed by legislation to back it up.
In a statement following Minister Lyons’ surprise statement, the Avengers actor said: “In an unexpected turn of events, Northern Ireland’s Minister of Economy Lyons said he supports a ban on all forms of drilling and fracking for oil and gas.
“This is welcome news and a step in the right direction to finally ending the fear that communities in the areas targeted by the fossil fuel industry have been living with for over 10 years.”
Environmental Groups and Health Professionals have also welcomed revelatory DUP support for a ban on drilling and fracking.
But since the Executive has fallen, campaigners will have to wait until after the election to see official movement on Minister Lyons’ pledges.
James Orr from Friends of the Earth said: “Now is the time to take the final step to keep all fossil fuels in the ground.
“We have seen communities fight off fossil fuel extraction, the Assembly has passed motions to ban petroleum licensing and now we have had this strong statement from the DUP.
“We are nearly there. For the sake of the planet, people and place let’s get that ban on all extraction and exploration of fossil fuels.”
The Northern Ireland Executive still has to issue decisions on two petroleum licensing applications for vast areas of counties Fermanagh and Tyrone, Armagh and Antrim.
Communities and campaigners noted that Minister Lyons said the Executive was briefed on the proposed ban on January 31 - but had only received a response from Sinn Fein’s Finance Minister on the issue.
They are now urging the Alliance Party, UUP and SDLP to publicly state their support for Gordon Lyons’ preferred policy option.
Dianne Little from LAMP Fermanagh said: “This policy option will only progress to law if the other parties agree.
“The DUP... must now return to the NI Executive and allow this new policy to move forward and become law to finally end the threat to communities.”
Dr Kathy Nolan from Concerned Health Professionals of New York added: “This is good news for all the residents who have been concerned about the health impacts that communities would face if drilling and fracking were to proceed. Drilling and fracking are a threat to public health and have no place in Northern Ireland.”
