Irish critics warn against fracking
Invasive gas drilling technique would damage environment as water mixed with chemicals is pumped to break open rock.
Published On 4 Mar 2012
The windswept hills of Ireland are believed to be sitting on a treasure trove of natural gas. One company wants to use a controversial drilling technique called fracking to get it out but critics says the process would damage the environment.
Pioneered in the US, it involves vertical and then horizontal drilling before thousands of gallons of water mixed with chemicals are pumped into the rock breaking it open and releasing the gas. Despite its invasiveness, some say the jobs it will provide are hard to ignore.
Simon McGregor-Wood reports from Leitrim county in Ireland.
Source: Al Jazeera