Vol. 472 No. 5
22 Miss Harney asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications if he will report on the outcome of the 1996 offshore drilling activities; and if he will give details of the offshore drilling programme for 1997. [23489/96]
Two exploration wells were drilled in 1996, both in the Slyne Trough by Enterprise Oil plc. The first well, drilled in block 27/5 and located about 40 miles to the west of Achill, was plugged and abandoned as a dry hole in June 1996. The second well was drilled in block 18/20 and located about 45 miles west of Belmullet, County Mayo. Enterprise encountered gas in this well and received my approval to carry out a test programme to assess the discovery. However, despite its best efforts, it was unable to conduct the test because of mechanical problems arising in the well. The well was plugged and abandoned in early November 1996. It is my understanding that they now plan to acquire new seismic data in the area of the discovery to determine the optimum location for further drilling.
As regards offshore drilling in 1997, at this stage three companies, Marathon International Petroleum Hibernia Ltd., Statoil Exploration (Ireland) Limited and Total Oil Marine plc. have plans to drill in the Porcupine Basin. The first well should start in mid March and I expect to receive applications for each well at least 30 days before drilling is due to commence.
