Bernard Allen
Ceist:65 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Energy the number of oil and gas exploration companies which will be operating in Irish waters in 1991; and if he will outline their names and the locations involved.
Written Answers. - Oil/Gas Exploration Companies.
A total of 25 companies currently hold interests in the Irish offshore. Details of these companies, the nature of their interests and the locations at which they are active are contained in the six-monthly report which I am required by section 57 of the Petroleum and Other Minerals Development Act, 1960, to present to the Oireachtas. The most recent report covers the period to 31 December 1990 and is available in the Dáil Library.
In addition to the companies named in the report, an application from a UK company, NOPEC (UK) Limited, for a petroleum prospecting licence is being processed by my Department.