A BILL to ban fracking that was submitted by a Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA has been approved by the Speaker to be brought to the floor of the Assembly.

Sinn Féin MLA Seán Lynch launched the Bill last December, and after it going out for public consultation, it has taken another step to becoming legislation.

Welcoming the Speaker’s decision, the Fermanagh South Tyrone MLA said: “I am delighted that the Speaker has approved my proposal to bring a Bill to the Assembly to ban fracking.

“This Bill follows on from the Assembly motion passed last October, which called for the practice of fracking to be banned.

“Numerous highly-respected scientific bodies have commissioned research into fracking, and the evidence is clear that it is extremely damaging to our environment, our economy and our health.

“This invasive method of fossil fuel extraction has already been banned in many countries, including the South, and in Britain.”

Mr. Lynch said the threat of fracking has hung over the heads of the people of Fermanagh, and the island of Ireland, for too long.

“We are now one step closer to eradicating this threat.

“I am calling on the other parties to support this Bill when it comes onto the floor of the Assembly in the coming months,” he added.