Frank Crowley
Ceist:19 Mr. Crowley asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the number of oil and gas exploration companies which will be operating in Irish waters in 1993; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Oil and Gas Exploration.
Details of the companies and the nature and location of their interests in the Irish offshore 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 covering the six months ended 31 December 1992 was laid before the Houses this week.
At present, 46 authorisations are held involving 15 operating companies. As of now, it is anticipated that two exploration wells will be drilled this year, one by Marathon and the other by Aran Energy and Mobil.