ACTIVISTS protested outside Stormont on Monday night as MLAs debated a controversial exploratory oil drill project in Co Antrim.
Protesters opposed to InfraStrata's commencement of drilling at Woodburn Forest near Carrickfergus gathered outside Parliament Buildings.
They expressed concerns about the potential effect on supplies of drinking water to thousands of homes, most in the greater Belfast area.
However, Northern Ireland Water has insisted there is no threat to the water supply.
The exploratory well was given the go-ahead under 'permitted development rights', meaning it did not need planning permission.
Infrastructure Minister, Sinn Féin's Chris Hazzard, last night proposed a change in the law to require any exploration company to seek full planning permission.
"Following a call for evidence on permitted development rights for mineral exploration the overwhelming response was in favour of change to the existing system that permits exploration without a planning application," he said.
He said a consultation on the proposed changes will begin shortly.
"The planning system should, where possible facilitate development, but it must not compromise on environmental standards," he said.
"Sustainable development is at the heart of our planning system and it is clear that there will many instances where it is necessary to balance competing social, economic and environmental interests."
