Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 November 2012
25. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has received any information regarding the amount of oil that lies off the County Kerry coast; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53332/12]
View answer39. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he knows of any proposed site at which oil would be drilled for off the County Kerry coast; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53333/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 25 and 39 together.
Petroleum exploration authorisations are currently held by a number of companies in respect of areas in the Porcupine Basin off the Kerry coast. Drilling operations have not been carried under any of these authorisations to date, though I understand that plans are in progress for the commencement next year of drilling operations on the Dunquin prospect situated approximately 150km off the Kerry coast.
Until a comprehensive drilling programme has been carried out, the oil or gas potential of the area will remain unproven.
