A fracking firm stopped from carrying out work in Co Fermanagh five years ago has lodged a fresh application to search for natural gas.
Tamboran Resources Ltd confirmed yesterday it has lodged an application with the Department for the Economy.
In 2014 then environment minister Mark H Durkan rejected plans by the firm to drill for gas near Belcoo in Co Fermanagh.
The refusal followed a wave of protest from local people opposed to the controversial fracking process, which included setting up a protest camp outside the quarry where the drilling was due to take place.
At the time Mr Durkan said he had concerns about fracking in Fermanagh due to the "hydrology" of the area and had rejected the exploration proposal following "very careful consideration".
Opponents of fracking fear it could cause environmental damage.
The process involves pumping a mixture of water, sand and chemicals into a well under high pressure to force natural gas from the rock.
Karl Prenderville, CEO of Tamboran Resources (UK) Limited (TRUK), said “there are two stages to this five-year licence” which starts with “an exploratory borehole collecting rock samples to carry out tests”.
He said that if the firm decides to proceed “following regulatory approval” it will move to the second stage which involves “test fracturing”.
“We believe that the natural gas resource in County Fermanagh could be a game-changer for Northern Ireland, both economically and environmentally,” he said.
“A local supply of natural gas would help cut carbon emissions, as we are currently importing 100 percent of NI’s natural gas supplies from across the world.
Former minister Durkan last night said “it is important that the voices of the people of Fermanagh and beyond are listened to in respect of this application and that this application is subject to the full rigors of the planning process".
Mr Durkan added that "this would be deemed a significant application and therefore it would be right anything on this scale should be determined by a minister".
A spokesperson for the Department for the Economy said a consultation into the application, and a second separate application for, has now been launched.
