Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 July 2014
19. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if any petroleum companies have made contact with his Department following the opening of the 2015 Atlantic Margin Oil and Gas Licensing Round; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31644/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the principal regulator for the petroleum exploration sector operating in the Irish offshore, my Department is in ongoing contact with exploration licence holders regarding the setting, monitoring and delivery of licence commitments along with the acquisition of seismic and other data. In addition, my Department engages with companies that are not currently involved in exploration in the Irish offshore to promote the opportunity to invest here and with respect to providing access to existing exploration data. The 2015 Atlantic Margin Oil and Gas Licensing Round was formally launched on 18 June 2014 at the Harnessing Our Ocean Wealth Conference and my Department will continue to promote the opportunity to apply for licences under the round at conferences and events. The Round opened for licensing all of Ireland’s major Atlantic basins: Porcupine, Goban Spur, Slyne, Erris, Donegal and Rockall. The form of petroleum authorisation on offer will be two year Licensing Options. The Round will close in September 2015 and the earliest applications may be submitted is 31 August 2015.
