To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs what consideration has been given to the impact of any proposed oil exploration and fracking on local inland waterways and fisheries.

My Department is not currently considering any planning proposal relating to oil exploration and fracking and the potential impact on local inland waterways and fisheries.

As a statutory consultee, my Department’s Planning Response Team allocate planning applications to Inland Fisheries Branch for comment and advice in relation to its possible impact on Inland Fisheries. Under the Fisheries Act (NI) 1966 (as amended), Inland Fisheries Branch has a statutory remit for the conservation, protection, development and improvement of salmon and inland fisheries.