asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if any proposals have been adopted by the Government for the building of oil refineries in various parts of the country; and, if so, if he will name the locations of the proposed plants.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Building of Oil Refineries.
64.
The answer to the first part of the Deputy's question is in the negative. What is necessary for the building of an oil refinery is planning permission and of course compliance with any conditions attached to such permission. Planning permission has been sought for an oil refinery at the following locations: Dublin Bay, Bantry Bay and the Shannon Estuary.
In view of the reported finds of oil off the south coast of Ireland, would the Minister agree now is the time for the IDA or the Minister to take the initiative to have arrangements made whereby this oil can be refined if it is found to be so close to our coast?
I can assure the Deputy that the matter is having continuing study, but it would be premature to commit one's self to the building of an oil refinery on the basis of the levels of oil found to date on our Continental Shelf.