Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 April 2004
105 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the most recent results of exploration for oil, gas or other minerals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10408/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Dooish exploration well, which was drilled in 2002 by Enterprise Energy Ireland — now Shell E&P Ireland — off the Donegal coast and which discovered a hydrocarbon accumulation, was re-entered and deepened in 2003. Drilling commenced on 11 May 2003 and the well was plugged having confirmed the existence of a substantial gas condensate column, and the rig moved off-site on 30 July 2003. Both my Department and Shell E&P are continuing to analyse the well results and integrate them with other data from the area. Further technical work on the prospect will be required before the size of the gas condensate accumulation and the possibility for any commercial development can be accurately assessed.
Drilling commenced on Statoil's Cong exploration well in the Erris Basin on 5th August 2003 and the well was plugged and abandoned as a dry hole on 16 December 2003. With regard to non-petroleum minerals, I refer the Deputy to my reply to a similar question, Question No. 333 on 24 February 2004. The position has not changed since then.
