Vol. 504 No. 6
15 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the number of exploration licences granted for Irish waters to date in 1999; his views on the exploration prospects for 1999; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12424/99]
To date in 1999 two petroleum exploration licences have been granted in the Irish offshore, one to Agip Ireland BV over six blocks and the other to Elf Petroleum Ireland BV over five blocks. Both were frontier exploration licences awarded under the south porcupine round. Under these licences comprehensive licence-specific work programmes will be undertaken which will include the acquisition and processing of 2-D seismic data and the carrying out of special geophysical and geological studies where appropriate.
In addition, I have granted two licensing options this year, one to Marathon International Petroleum Hibernia Limited over six blocks in the Slyne Trough and the other to Enterprise Oil over one full block and four part blocks in the Donegal Basin.
Despite the serious impact on the exploration and production sector of the weak oil price throughout 1998, the industry's commitment to Ireland remains good and exploration licences are at a high level. Enterprise Oil achieved excellent results from last year's Corrib appraisal well, producing gas on test which flowed at a stabilised rate of 63 million cubic feet per day. They have already commenced drilling a second appraisal well there. The company also plan to drill an exploration well this year in the Slyne Trough under licence 2/93. Marathon have submitted a plan of development for the south-west lobe of the Kinsale Head Gasfield and they plan to bring this gas into production by year end.
The Government will continue to promote and encourage, to the fullest possible extent, exploration of the Irish offshore so as to enhance the prospects of commercial discoveries.
