Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 16 Feb 1999

Vol. 500 No. 4

Written Answers. - Offshore Exploration.

Enda Kenny

Question:

150 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the position regarding substantial gas finds off the west coast of Achill, County Mayo; the extent and value of this find; the proposals and preparations, if any, there are to bring this gas ashore if it is deemed to be commercial and technologically feasible; if so, if it will be brought ashore at Ballyglass, Broadhaven; and his views in this regard. [4237/99]

Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources (Dr. Woods)

The position in relation to the Corrib Field is that in 1998 Enterprise Oil and their partners Saga Petroleum and Statoil Exploration (Ireland) Limited drilled and tested an appraisal well, flaring gas on test at a stabilised rate of 63 million cubic feet of gas per day. It is not possible to give precise figures for the size of the gas accumulation at this stage; this will only be possible when the accumulation has been fully evaluated. The current estimates based on the limited data available gives a range of values and Enterprise Oil have indicated that it could contain one trillion cubic feet of gas in-place.

The evaluation process will involve further appraisal work being carried out over the next two to three years and is expected to include the drilling of additional appraisal wells. Enterprise Oil have indicated that they are planning to drill a further appraisal well this year.

Should the results of their appraisal programme show that the gas can be commercially produced it will be necessary for Enterprise Oil to apply to my Department for a petroleum lease – the authorisation required to bring the gas into production.

It is too early at this stage to address issues involved in a possible development of Corrib, but should a lease be granted to Enterprise Oil it will be necessary for them to submit a detailed Plan of Development for the field for my approval. This plan would cover the design, siting, construction, operation, abandonment and removal of any facilities. It would also include such technical, economic and financial information as would enable me to have the proposed development fully evaluated and to have its economic, social, safety and environmental implications assessed.