Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 31 January 2013
39. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will specify the level of drilling in terms of width, depth and subterranean that is permitted if an exploratory licence for hydraulic fracturing were permitted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4675/13]
View answerNo application has been received by my Department for a permit to drill an exploration well using hydraulic fracturing. The purpose of an exploration well is to obtain data on a specific geological objective or objectives. The depth of each individual well will, therefore, be determined by the depth of the related geological objective. In relation to the diameter of exploration wells, generally each hole section is drilled using standard diameter drill bits to allow standard diameter casings to be run and cemented into place for wellbore stability and well control purposes. As the diameter of each casing must be wide enough to fit the drill bit for the subsequent hole section, the diameter of each hole section decreases with depth. So, at the surface the diameter of the cased hole can typically be in the range of 20 to 30 inches, while at the bottom, over the geological objective, the diameter of the cased hole can typically be in region of 6 inches.
The EPA has recently announced the terms of reference for the more extensive second stage of its research into the use of hydraulic fracturing, the final results of which are expected in early 2015. I can reiterate that until there has been time to consider the outcome of this EPA research, no decision will be made on any proposal for the use of hydraulic fracturing in exploration drilling in Ireland.
