asked the Minister for Energy the present position regarding the exploration for gas in west Cavan.
Written Answers. - West Cavan Gas Exploration.
377.
Exploration for oil and gas is continuing in west Cavan under an exclusive exploration licence, which covers a large part of the north west carboniferous basin, including 252 sq. miles in County Cavan. Under the terms of this licence two exploratory wells will be drilled this year at approved locations in Counties Cavan and Leitrim. The first of these two wells is due to be started before 30 April next but the operator has not yet decided which well will be commenced first. The well in County Cavan will be located at McNean, close to where an exploratory well in 1963 resulted in a small gas flow. I expect that the results from the well drilled will be made known to me before the end of the year.