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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 5 Nov 2002

Vol. 556 No. 3

Written Answers. - Offshore Exploration.

Martin Ferris

Ceist:

442 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has received a report on the results of drilling at Dooish Well, Rockall Basin, Quadrant 12, Block 2. [19917/02]

Martin Ferris

Ceist:

443 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the reason drilling has been stopped at the Dooish Well, Rockall Basin, Quadrant 12, Block 2, in view of the fact that it has been reported that there have been encouraging results there. [19918/02]

Jerry Cowley

Ceist:

457 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the reason Enterprise Energy Ireland is seeking permission to suspend drilling work in the Rockall basin; the implications for contractual obligations as a result of any possible deferment of operations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20275/02]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 442, 443 and 457 together.

Drilling of the Dooish Well commenced on 6 August under frontier exploration licence 2/94 by the operator Enterprise Energy Ireland Limited, EEIL. The well is located in the Rockall Basin some 125 kilometres north west of County Donegal and is the second deepest water depth in which a well has ever been drilled in Irish waters.

The operators have lodged all technical data relevant to the well with my Department. While it is too early to know the full significance of the drilling results, they demonstrate the presence of a working petroleum system and as such are encouraging both for this well and for the exploration potential of Irish frontier areas.

The operator has, with my agreement, suspended the drilling operations due to worsening weather conditions, and the safety aspects of the operation. The operator has indicated that it hopes to resume appraisal of the find next year.

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