Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 20 Oct 1999

Vol. 509 No. 5

Written Answers. - Offshore Exploration.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

74 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the number of exploration licences issued for oil or gas exploration for 1999; the number of exploration wells to be drilled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20705/99]

Ivor Callely

Question:

87 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the results of recent explorations for national resources in offshore activities; the likely commercial activity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20892/99]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 74 and 87 together.

To date in 1999, two petroleum exploration licences have been granted in the Irish offshore, one to Agip Ireland BV over six blocks and the other to Elf Petroleum Ireland BV over five blocks. Both were frontier exploration licences awarded under the South Porcupine Round.

Under these licences, comprehensive licence-specific work programmes will be undertaken which will include the acquisition and processing of 2-D seismic data. The licensees will also carry out special geophysical and geological studies where appropriate.

In addition, I have granted three licensing options this year, one to Marathon International Petroleum Hibernia Limited over six blocks in the Slyne Trough and one to Enterprise Oil over one full block and four part blocks in the Donegal Basin. The third one was granted to a four company group, with Ramco Oil as operator. This authorisation covers the Seven Heads oil and gas accumulation in the North Celtic Sea Basin. I have also approved this month a one year extension to a licensing option granted last year to Providence Resources over one block in the North Celtic Sea Basin. An application for a lease undertaking over an area in the North Celtic Sea Basin is under consideration in my Department.

To date in 1999, two wells have been drilled in the Irish offshore – an appraisal well and an exploration well. Both were drilled by Enterprise Oil in the Slyne Trough. The appraisal well was the second such well drilled in the Corrib gas accumulation and this was successfully completed in August. The results were quite satisfactory with the gas flowing at a rate of 64 million cubic feet per day through a 1.25 inch choke. The data acquired by the operator, which has been made available to my Department, is being evaluated by the licensees. However, I understand that additional appraisal work is required and that a further appraisal well may be necessary before it can be determined whether the field is commercial.

Following the completion of the Corrib well, Enterprise drilled an exploration well in the Shannon prospect, also in the Slyne Trough. The well was completed about two weeks ago with disappointing results. The company was given permission by my Department to plug and abandon the well and the rig has now left the location.