Debate contribution: Petroleum Exploration and Licensing (Repeal) Bill: Second Stage

Debate contribution by Ms Diana Armstrong on 27 April 2026.

MLA

Ms Diana Armstrong

Party at the time

Ulster Unionist Party

Date

27 April 2026

Type

Debate contribution

Business

Executive Committee Business

Heading

Petroleum Exploration and Licensing (Repeal) Bill: Second Stage

Assembly identifier

Official Report component 5508184

Read the official Assembly record

Text

The UUP supports the Bill at its Second Stage and the clear direction that it sets for Northern Ireland and its energy ambitions. At its core, the ban on all forms of petroleum exploration and production in Northern Ireland recognises the importance of protecting our environment and of investing in renewable energy to provide energy security and sustainability. The risks associated with onshore petroleum exploration and extraction are well documented: groundwater contamination; biodiversity loss; threats to tourism, as Pádraig mentioned; and long-term environmental uncertainty. It is right that we take such concerns seriously and act decisively. The Bill provides certainty. It moves beyond temporary measures and establishes a clear and consistent position, bringing to an end onshore petroleum licensing. In doing so, it removes ambiguity and ensures that environmental standards are not subject to shifting positions in the future. The Department has listened to the findings of the 2024 consultation, in which 95% of the 382 responses supported the preferred policy option of an eventual ban on all forms of onshore petroleum exploration and production. The Northern Ireland Executive approved that as the preferred policy option in December 2024. It has been recognised through Committee scrutiny that the transition will be managed responsibly. The two existing applications will be withdrawn, and appropriate reimbursement will be provided. That is a correct and fair approach to take, as it provides clarity not only for communities but for those directly affected. Although some have pointed to the potential economic benefits of petroleum exploration, the evidence to date has shown those benefits to be limited and commercially unviable. Set against the environmental risks and the strength of public concern, the Bill reflects a balanced and proportionate judgement. More broadly, it is about the kind of economy and society that we want to build. Northern Ireland's future prosperity will be defined not by onshore petroleum extraction but by sustainable investment and sustainable energy and by meeting climate targets through innovation and the responsible use of our resources. The Bill aligns with that vision. Our approach should be balanced and responsible, supporting sustainable development, encouraging innovation and ensuring that robust safeguards are always in place to protect citizens. By doing that, we can achieve long-term prosperity that is economically sound and socially just. By supporting the Bill, we are choosing clarity, environmental responsibility and a long-term approach to economic development. The Bill is a measured and necessary step, and I look forward to examining it further in Committee.

412 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Assessment

Not flagged

Jev’s structured answers

Assessed 21 October 2026 at 15:27 UTC by jev-1.13.0 (requested as typesafe/jev) under rubric 2026.10-r9, methodology 1.9.

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