Dick Spring
Ceist:79 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Energy if he will give an up-to-date report on stocks of natural gas; if he will outline exploration and/or development proposals for 1992; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Natural Gas.
In addressing the question, I take it that the Deputy means recoverable reserves of natural gas rather than "stocks". Recoverable reserves in this context means volumes of natural gas that are both technically and commercially recoverable under present conditions.
Two fields, Kinsale Head and Ballycotton Gas Fields constitute Ireland's proven reserves of natural gas. The latest studies suggest that remaining reserves from the two fields amount to 716 billion cubic feet and that on current projections of utilisation, these reserves will be exhausted early in the next decade.
I expect at least two exploration wells to be drilled in the Irish offshore this year, targeting oil or gas. As no other gas discoveries have been declared commercial there are no development proposals for 1992.