Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:153 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the national reserves of natural gas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13157/00]
Written Answers. - Offshore Exploration.
Since gas production commenced from the Kinsale Head gas-field in 1978, from the Ballycotton gas-field in 1991 and from south-west Kinsale in October last year, over 1.5 trillion cubic feet of gas has been produced to date. However, gas production from the fields is in decline and will continue to fall during the remaining life of the fields until they reach their expected economic termination by about the year 2005.
Future gas supplies from Kinsale and Ballycotton depend not only on the amount of gas remaining in the reservoir and how much it is possible to extract from a technical point of view but also on the economics of producing and selling the gas. The latest projected figure of recoverable reserves from the field, as estimated by my Department, is some 210 billion cubic feet.
With regards to future arrangements for the extraction of gas, Marathon is in the process of a substantial investment programme to up-grade gas compression facilities in the fields which will be completed later this year. These compressors are intended to boost natural well pressures which decline as the fields are depleted. Along with this upgrade, Marathon will evaluate all means of ensuring maximum productivity from the Kinsale Head and Ballycotton gas-fields and of course my Department will continue to monitor the fields' progress.
The above statements relate to proven reserves. The extent to which proven commercial reserves will be established in respect of the Corrib field will depend on the outcome of assessments to be undertaken later this year.