Belfast Telegraph: Questions raised over viability of shale gas

A new report into fracking has questioned whether shale gas will bring down UK energy bills and has claimed that the the process could lead to water shortages.

Scientists for Global Responsibility (SGR) and the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health reviewed evidence across several issues linked with shale gas extraction by hydraulic fracturing.

The document also highlighted "major shortcomings" in regulatory oversight regarding local environmental and public health risks and said that shale gas exploitation could undermine efforts to tackle climate change.

Gary McFarlane, director of the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (NI), said a full independent environmental impact assessment must be carried out on all shale gas extraction proposals before permission to drill is given.
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