Irish oil and gas firm Providence Resources is to begin drilling operations on the 48/24-J Barryroe appraisal well in the north Celtic Sea, offshore Ireland, next month.

The Barryroe partners were awarded standard exploration licence 1/11 and have committed to the drilling of at least one well during the first phase.

Commercial flow rates of 1,800 barrels of oil per day from this vertical well will be demonstrated.

Providence operates Barryroe with a 50% interest with partners San Leon Energy (30%) and Lansdowne Oil & Gas (20%).