Unconventional gas exploration and extraction (UGEE) involves hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”) of low permeability rock to permit the extraction of natural gas on a commercial scale from unconventional sources, such as shale gas deposits, coal seams and tight sandstone. The UGEE Joint Research Programme (JRP) (www.ugeeresearch.ie) is composed of five interlinked projects and involves field studies (baseline monitoring of water and seismicity), as well as an extensive desk-based literature review of UGEE practices and regulations worldwide. The UGEE JRP was designed to provide the scientific basis that will assist regulators - in both Northern Ireland and Ireland - to make informed decisions about whether or not it is environmentally safe to permit UGEE projects/operations involving fracking. As well as research in Ireland, the UGEE URP looks at and collates evidence from other countries.

The JRP is funded by the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment, DCCAE (formerly the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (DCENR) and the Environment Division of the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government (DECLG)) and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA). The research programme was managed by a steering committee comprising the EPA, representatives from DCCAE, the Geological Survey of Ireland, Commission for Energy Regulation, An Bord Pleanála, NIEA, the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland and the Health Service Executive.

Link to part 2 of 4

Link to part 3 of 4

Link to part 4 of 4

View the full list of the UGEE JRP Reports