Offshore Exploration

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 March 2014

Tuesday, 11 March 2014

Ceisteanna (302)

Robert Dowds

Ceist:

302. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of offshore drilling licences at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11688/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

I can confirm that there are no drilling consents extant in respect of the Irish offshore. There are 27 petroleum exploration licences extant in respect of the Irish offshore and it is expected that the holders of at least one of these licences will submit a drilling consent application to my Department during the course of 2014.