Ireland Announces New Exploration Licences

The Irish Government has announced new oil and gas exploration licences off the country's west coast.

Companies will be given the opportunity to explore 229 full blocks and three part-blocks of the Porcupine Basin, an area of approximately 63,500km².

Strategic environmental assessment of the Porcupine Basin is currently being undertaken by external environmental experts.

The licensing round will expire at noon on 18 December 2007.

By staff writer