The Northern Ireland Executive has approved the introduction of the Petroleum Exploration and Licensing (Repeal) Bill, which will permanently end petroleum exploration and licensing, including fracking, across Northern Ireland.

The Department for the Economy will introduce the bill to the Northern Ireland Assembly at the earliest opportunity. The legislation will remove the department's statutory powers to issue licences for petroleum exploration or extraction.

Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald welcomed the decision, stating it marks a significant milestone in her commitment to decarbonisation. She said petroleum development offers no meaningful economic benefit, carries significant environmental and community risks, and is incompatible with the Executive's climate action and energy transition obligations.

The approval follows independent research, public consultation, and assessments of economic, environmental, and social impacts, which concluded petroleum extraction conflicts with Northern Ireland's greenhouse gas reduction commitments and low-carbon energy transition. In December 2024, the Executive agreed to a temporary moratorium on petroleum licensing.

Archibald added that ending petroleum licensing will allow focus on renewable energy, energy efficiency, and emerging green technologies to deliver economic opportunities and support energy security.

Sinn Féin MLA Áine Murphy, representing Fermanagh and South Tyrone, who previously introduced a fracking ban bill, welcomed the move as positive for the environment and local communities.

Past proposals for fracking in County Fermanagh faced significant political and community opposition.