I wonder if fracking will ever occur on any economic scale in the UK?
With Brent crude trading at approx 48$/bbl, the economic case for fracking is dubious. The structural complexity of many potential shale bodies, coupled with the poor infrastructure in many area to support the necessary vehicle movements further restrict the growth of the industry.
Also public opposition is strong - though how much is fact driven rather than hysteria is a moot point.
We were quite happy to develop a coal industry that killed thousands, dug holes on Parys mountain since pre Roman times for copper and ransacked numerous other areas for mineral wealth. We even allowed prospecting in National Parks back in the 70's. Now we have the chance to exploit another energy source in the most tightly regulated environment ever, utilising a basic technology a hundred years old and the antis are hugging trees everywhich where. There has yet to be a rational debate to explain the whys and wherefores.

http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/fracking-environment-ireland-theresa-may-a7771956.html