Annett Siggins, Ballinfull, Co Sligo

DEAR SIR: In relation to the “Fractured Opinions” article from 13 September 2014.

It was interesting to read the experience of two farmers in their honeymoon period with fracking. Not surprisingly, with any quick boom comes quick money. But there is more to it.

Wells usually are separated from our groundwater by cement and steel. The cement starts crackling after seven years or so, depending on the quality.

Therefore, one would not expect much pollution to be seen after two years, unless in an accident which occurs roughly in two out of 1,000 wells.

But where does the backflow with all the chemicals and radiation go? Where do all the millions of cubic meters of water used come from? Is the massive use of water going to lower our groundwater level with problems connected? Where is all the needed sand coming from? Are roads going to cope with the traffic?

Also, in America, fracking companies are excluded from the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act. Is it a self-regulated industry in terms of pollution? Pollution is being reported by more independent bodies. Since the EU has different environmental laws, it has to be clarified who is responsible in the case of pollution. Is it the landowner or the company?

Landowners in Ireland are unlikely to make as much money as mentioned in the article since they do not own the mineral rights and are not entitled to any royalties paid. Would the State get royalties paid? Also, companies were found out to have exaggerated figures of gas quantities by up to 80%.

So, we could have a sooner awakening from the boom than we think. Overall, as leaked emails from the industry claim, the money is made with shares sold rather than with the wells.