Vol. 518 No. 6
74 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the position in respect of offshore exploration, with particular reference to oil and gas prospects; if there are recent positive indications; if so, the extent in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12915/00]
154 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the extent, if any, to which reserves of oil have been identified following exploration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13158/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 74 and 154 together.
Offshore petroleum exploration activity continues with 22 exploration licences in place covering 118 blocks or part blocks. In addition, there are six offshore licensing options and two leases in place. Applications for two further licensing options and one lease undertaking are under consideration in my Department.
As I said in my reply of 22 March last to another question from the Deputy, a plan of development for the south west lobe of the Kinsale Head gas field was approved last year and the field was brought into production in October. I also mentioned that there are important developments taking place in relation to two other hydrocarbon accumulations in our offshore, the Corrib gas accumulation and the Helvick oil field.
The present position in relation to the Corrib field is that the licensees commenced drilling a third appraisal well last month on completion of which they intend to drill a further well. They hope to be in a position to decide whether the gas find is commercial in December next. The final decision as to whether the field is commercial will depend on factors such as the volumes of gas in place, the quality of the reservoir, the quality of the gas, the flow rate of wells, market availability and price and the cost of development of the field.
Enterprise Oil is reported as saying that the field might contain more than one trillion cubic feet of gas-in-place. However, it is too early at this stage to give a precise figure for the size of the gas accumulation and the licensees will not be in a position to do so until they have fully evaluated the discovery. Should the results of their appraisal programme show that the gas can be commercially produced it will be necessary for the licensees to apply to me for a petroleum lease and submit a plan of development for the field for my approval.
