Dublin grants licences for oil exploration off Donegal

IRISH Natural Resources Minister Pat Rabbitte has granted three licences to four firms to look for oil and gas off the Donegal coast in the Republic’s 2011 Atlantic Margin Licensing Round.

By The Newsroom

Published 23rd Oct 2011, 13:28 BST

Serica Energy UK Limited has been granted a new licence for exploration of the Rockall Basin, North West of Donegal; whilst Providence Resources plc, First Oil Expro Ltd. and San Leon Energy have been licensed to explore the Slyne Basin off the west coast of the county.

Mr Rabbitte announced the award of thirteen new Licensing Options in the Irish offshore on Monday.

He said he was pleased the international exploration industry had responded positively to the invitation to participate in the 2011 Atlantic Margin Licensing Round.

A total of fifteen applications were received by the closing date and following the evaluation of these applications thirteen Licensing Options are to be awarded.

The Options are for a two-year period during which time the exploration companies will have to complete an agreed work programme.

Donegal