A company that plans to use fracking to extract natural gas in County Fermanagh has said it has obtained an injunction to prevent unlawful access to a quarry.
Tamboran Resources intends to drill an exploratory borehole near Belcoo next month to collect rock samples.
Since Monday, protesters against the controversial fracking technique have been keeping a 24-hour vigil at the entrance to the site.
Police say they have plans in place to deal with any protests.
Police have been maintaining a low-key presence at the site If the samples obtained from the borehole show commercially viable levels of gas, Tamboran will begin a process that could lead to fracking.
About 300 protesters gathered on Monday after Tamboran brought its equipment to the site.
Several protesters briefly forced open a security fence and tensions were running high for a time, but organisers helped to restore order and they say they want a peaceful protest.
A small number of protesters, calling themselves the Belcoo Community Protection Camp, has been maintaining a presence at the site.
A Tamboran spokesman said: "A number of individuals have sought to gain unlawful access to the site.
"In order to protect the safety of local people, site security and protesters we have sought and secured an order for an injunction to deter anyone from seeking unlawful access. "
He added: "Tamboran respects people's right to protest and we welcome calls from local people to ensure that the protests are peaceful."
The site is protected by metal fences and razor wire, and is guarded by a private security company.
Last summer, the village of Balcombe in West Sussex was the scene of large anti-fracking demonstrations, with more than 1,000 people setting up camp at the height of the protests.
The PSNI said earlier this week that as part of their plans, they have looked at similar policing operations.
"The role of the police is to facilitate lawful activity by Tamboran and their agents, facilitate peaceful protest and minimise the potential for disorder," a spokeswoman said.
Gas firm obtains quarry injunction
Put the internet to work for you.
0 comments:
Post a Comment