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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 4 Mar 2003

Vol. 562 No. 4

Written Answers - Oil and Gas Exploration.

Seán Ryan

Question:

134 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his assessment of the prospects of oil and gas exploration in Irish waters during 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6274/03]

As I stated in reply to a similar question on 29 January last, there is justification for optimism in 2003 about petroleum exploration offshore Ireland. Much of the Atlantic Margin of our offshore is either untested or under explored and every effort is being made to promote the exploration of these areas.

These efforts face considerable obstacles. Unfortunately, the past 12 months have seen a very steep decline in exploration activity in north-west Europe. In Ireland there are now only seven offshore exploration licences in place – down from a peak of 32 just five years ago. In addition western offshore areas are difficult to access and explore, in terms of water depth, distance from land and lack of infrastructure. These define both the difficulties and the challenge that face both the Government and the industry.

Last November, I launched the Porcupine Licensing Initiative. Its purpose is to re-open the Porcupine Region, closed since 1999, for exploration. The region will be opened for licensing in 4 tranches as it covers a large area, 241 full blocs. There have been some wells drilled there in the past but it still has real exploration potential.

The results from the "Dooish" well which was drilled off Donegal last year by Enterprise Energy Ireland also gives grounds for optimism. The company will carry out further appraisal of the well this year. My Department has long held that there was "real" exploration potential within these frontier areas and these results further vindicate this view. It is also likely that a further exploration well will be drilled in the Slyne-Erris Basin in 2003 under a licence commitment.

Within the past 15 months, two petroleum leases, for the Corrib Gas Field and the Seven Heads Gas Accumulation, have been signed. Production from Seven Heads is set to commence later this year and production from Corrib will depend on the outcome of the planning appeal which is at present being determined by An Bord Pleanála. In addition there will be a small satellite development, South West Kinsale Greensand, in the Kinsale Gas Field.

This is directed at accessing gas reserves that were not being drained effectively by the existing Kinsale Gas Field wells. The target date for gas production is July 2003.

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