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There are a number of environmental issues which are causing concern in Ireland at present - Leaving Cert Geography - Question 1 - 2007
Question 1
There are a number of environmental issues which are causing concern in Ireland at present. Amongst these are the following: - Exploitation of the Corrib gas field ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:There are a number of environmental issues which are causing concern in Ireland at present - Leaving Cert Geography - Question 1 - 2007
Step 1
Examine the concerns caused by the exploitation of the Corrib gas field off the Mayo coast
Answer
The exploitation of the Corrib gas field raises significant environmental concerns.
Concern 1: Environmental Degradation One major concern is the environmental degradation of the coastal area. The process of extracting gas can lead to habitat destruction, impacting local flora and fauna. Additionally, accidents during drilling can result in oil spills, further harming marine ecosystems.
Supporting Reference Points (SRPs):
- Disturbance of marine life during drilling operations.
- Potential oil spills affecting surrounding ecosystems.
- Long-term changes to the coastal landscape.
- Air pollution from gas flaring associated with extraction.
Concern 2: Impact on Local Communities Another pressing concern involves the impact on local communities. The presence of gas drilling operations can lead to social conflicts, primarily due to differing viewpoints on environmental protection versus economic benefits. Residents may also face health risks from pollutants associated with gas extraction.
Supporting Reference Points (SRPs):
- Residents' worries about water quality affected by drilling.
- Increased traffic and industrial activities disrupting local life.
- Economic dependence on potentially risky gas extraction jobs.
- Health issues related to exposure to harmful substances.