Vol. 494 No. 4
124 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the companies granted licences to engage in oil exploration close to Dublin Bay; when drilling in respect of these operations is due to commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18420/98]
Enterprise Oil plc. and their partners Powergen (North Sea) Limited hold a petroleum exploration licence in the Kish Bank Basin off Dublin Bay. This is a six year standard petroleum exploration licence covering blocks 33/17 (part), 33/18, and 33/22 (part) and was granted in July 1996.
The licensees drilled an exploration well in block 33/17 commencing on 19 December 1997 and it was plugged and abandoned on 31 December 1997. They are continuing to assess the area but have no plans at this stage to drill any further wells under the licence.
