Vol. 432 No. 7
108 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the number of oil and petroleum exploration companies operating in Irish waters in the years 1992 and 1993; the success of their exploration to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Details of the hydrocarbon exploration companies and the nature and location of their interests in the Irish offshore are contained in the six-monthly report, which I am required by section 57 of the Petroleum and Other Minerals Development Act, 1960 to present to the Oireachtas. Such reports for 1992 have already been laid before the Houses. The most recent report covering the six months ending 30 June 1993 will be laid before the Houses shortly.
In 1992, a total of 53 authorisations were held involving a total of 17 operating companies. Two exploration wells were drilled that year, one by Marathon in Block 48/30 and the other by Bula in Block 48/19. Both wells were plugged and abandoned. Following completion of their well, Bula issued a press statement on the drilling results. I refer the Deputy to PQ No. 12, column 509 of the Official Report of 3 March 1993 for information on this matter.
