Bernard J. Durkan
Question:294 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the various oil, gas or other explorations currently in progress; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6506/03]
Vol. 562 No. 4
294 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the various oil, gas or other explorations currently in progress; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6506/03]
295 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if positive results have accrued from any recent explorations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6507/03]
296 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the extent to which new oil, gas or ore explorations are planned; the number of new entrants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6508/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 294 to 296, inclusive, together.
As I said to the Deputy last November, there have been some developments in the area of offshore petroleum exploration and production. I granted Enterprise Energy Ireland and its co-venturers Statoil and Marathon a petroleum lease for the Corrib gas field on 15 November 2001. I issued subsequently all the necessary statutory approvals and consents for the development of the field. The development is at present on hold pending the determination by An Bord Pleanála of the planning appeal in relation to the terminal for the gas field. The target date for first gas is early 2005, subject of course to the decision of the planning board.
Last November saw the issue of the second petroleum lease under the 1992 terms to Ramco Seven Heads Limited and its partners. The Seven Heads group has submitted a plan of development accompanied by an environmental impact statement for my approval and I hope to do this shortly. The plan of development has a target of first gas for late 2003. Finally, Marathon proposes to drill a well later this year in the south west Kinsale Greensand region to access gas that was not being drained effectively by the existing wells.