Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 June 2014
20. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if there have been results from the seismic survey of Ireland's ocean floor; if these reveal any further detail regarding Ireland's oil and gas potential; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24786/14]
View answerConscious that the existence of quality data is key to encouraging exploration, last June my Department, in conjunction with exploration company Eni launched a major two year seismic acquisition programme to provide a regional grid of high quality seismic data over Ireland’s Atlantic frontier basins, particularly in the Southern Porcupine, Rockall and Hatton basins.
It is by far the largest regional seismic survey to be acquired in the Irish offshore and was designed to complement existing datasets and to fill data gaps that exist. The survey will add to the understanding of the petroleum potential of our frontier basins.
Over 10,000 km of full-fold seismic data was acquired in 2013. It is intended that the 2013 data will be made available for consideration by researchers and industry later this year. Acquisition for 2014 has recently commenced and the data acquired in 2014 will be made available in 2015.
