Offshore Exploration.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 May 2004

Tuesday, 4 May 2004

Questions (157)

Martin Ferris

Question:

179 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of exploration wells which have been drilled in the period 1999 to 2004; and if he will provide details on the results. [12558/04]

Written answers

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. D. Ahern)

Six exploration wells were drilled between 1999 and 2004, all of them off the north-west, west and south-west coasts. All six wells have been plugged and abandoned. Shell E&P Ireland's Dooish well penetrated a substantial column of gas condensate, however, the results of which are being analysed. A second well, Statoil's Cong well, had both oil and gas shows. There are no remaining commitments to drill any exploration wells this year although I understand that a company has applied to drill later in the year.