Skip to main content
Normal View

Offshore Exploration Licences

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 November 2018

Thursday, 29 November 2018

Questions (192)

Bríd Smith

Question:

192. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if the recent findings of the ObSERVE Programme into marine life will inform his policy on issuing licences for the exploration of oil and gas in view of the fact that such activity is known to destroy plankton, damage breeding grounds for many species and cause disorientation to many whale species listed in the ObSERVE study; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49955/18]

View answer

Written answers

In advance of the 2015 Atlantic Margin Licencing Round, the Irish Offshore Strategic Environmental Assessment (IOSEA) 5 Environmental Report in respect of oil and gas exploration activities in the Irish offshore was undertaken by my Department. Policy in respect of exploration activities carried out under an exploration licence offshore Ireland is informed by IOSEA5. The ObSERVE Programme has highlighted the rich diversity of cetaceans and seabirds offshore Ireland.  The findings of the Programme are already informing the environmental aspects of decision making in respect of applications for exploration activities offshore Ireland through the statutory consent process. Exploration or production activities proposed to be carried out under an exploration licence or petroleum lease (e.g. a seismic survey or drilling of a well) are subject to assessment of compliance with the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive, the Habitats Directive and the Birds Directive. In addition, the observations of the National Parks and Wildlife Service regarding potential impacts on Annex IV Protected Species and sites protected under the Birds and Habitats legislation are sought.

Scientific research regarding the potential for exploration activities to have an adverse impact on plankton and fish with trophic links to cetaceans is limited and not settled. My Department is mindful of the need to keep abreast of current international research projects in this regard.

Question No. 193 answered with Question No. 191.
Top
Share