Ivor Callely
Question:112 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Energy if he will make a statement of the current oil and gas exploration off the Irish coast.
Vol. 413 No. 5
112 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Energy if he will make a statement of the current oil and gas exploration off the Irish coast.
I refer the Deputy to the report in accordance with section 57 of the Petroleum and Other Minerals Development Act, 1960 for the six months ended 30 June 1991 laid before the House on 11 September, 1991. As of 1 November 1991, a total of 37 blocks are held under petroleum leases, 12 blocks or part blocks are held under petroleum exploration licences and 30 blocks or part blocks are held under licensing options.
My Department have recently reached agreement with Marathon Petroleum Ireland, Limited, on a new programme of exploration under which a total of seven wells will be drilled by the company in the period 1992 to 1996. The first of these wells will be drilled in 1992. During 1991 one exploration well was drilled in the Irish offshore. At this stage it is not possible to be specific about the number of wells which will be drilled during the coming year as discussions are continuing with companies.