Northern Ireland Planning Service

Northern Area Plan 2016
Strategic Plan Framework: Minerals Natural Mineral Reserves

Policy MIN 2 Natural Mineral Reserves – Hydrocarbon Extraction
The exploitation of commercially viable reserves of natural oil and gas will be considered in the context of the short and long term suitability of the site. Development that would have a significant adverse impact on the environment will not be permitted.
Future exploration under licence may identify deposits of oil or gas, which are particularly valuable to the Northern Ireland economy. Hydrocarbon extraction is a site-specific operation with any potential environmental effects being dependent on the methods used at that site. Applications will be treated on their individual merits having regard to impact of the specific development on nearby residents, and sites or features designated for their scientific, landscape or heritage interests.
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