asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he has received inquiries from companies regarding the establishment on the Shannon estuary of bases or service areas connected with off-shore oil explorations.
Written Answers. - Off-shore Oil Exploration.
82.
I understand that there have been some indications of interest in regard to the possible provision of service base facilities in the area in question.
I might add, as regards my position in relation to matters of this kind, that while the terms for the grant of exclusive petroleum exploration licences, which I have already published, provide that the licensee's operations must be serviced from an Irish base, the selection of the most suitable location within the State for the service base is a matter for each of the licensees to determine in the light of their operational requirements.