The Irish Offshore Operators’ Association (IOOA) has today welcomed the announcement by Minister of State for Natural Resources Sean Kyne TD, of the second phase of awards in the 2015 Atlantic Margin Licensing Round.

This phase has seen 14 licensing option awards to 11 companies.

Commenting, Professor Pat Shannon, Chairman of IOOA said:

“Today’s announcement brings the total number of licensing options awarded in the 2015 Licensing Round to 28. Coming at a difficult time for the petroleum exploration industry internationally, this is positive news, and demonstrates that there is very strong interest in exploring the potential of the Irish offshore.

Following the first phase of awards in February this is a significant and positive development in Ireland’s energy landscape, which has the potential to deliver real benefits for Irish energy security and supply.

IOOA congratulates the Minister and his officials on the conclusion of a very successful Licensing Round and wishes every success to the companies involved in exploration work on the blocks awarded. We hope that this work will lead to drilling and discoveries in future years.”

11^th February 2016 – The Irish Offshore Operators’ Association (IOOA) has today welcomed the announcement by Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Joe McHugh TD, of the first phase of awards in the 2015 Atlantic Margin Licensing Round. This phase has seen awards to eight companies, focusing on the southern Porcupine Basin.

Commenting, Professor Pat Shannon, Chairman of IOOA said:

“The award of eight Licensing Options is a very positive development for Ireland’s oil and gas industry, representing very strong interest in the Irish offshore, even at a time of global price volatility, demonstrating that Ireland remains attractive for oil and gas exploration.

It is very encouraging to see some new entrants to exploration in the Irish offshore, together with some companies who are returning again, as well as explorers who are already active here.

Oil and gas is a crucial contributor to Ireland’s future energy mix and overall energy security, with the potential to deliver long-term benefits. At IOOA, we look forward to the announcement of the next phase of licensing awards in early-Summer.”

The Irish Offshore Operators’ Association (IOOA) has today welcomed the official announcement by Shell E&P Ireland and their partners that the first gas has begun to flow from the Corrib gas field.

Commenting, Professor Pat Shannon, Chairman of IOOA said,

“The arrival of first gas from the Corrib gas field is a welcome and very significant development in Ireland’s energy sector and particularly for the oil and gas exploration industry. It sends a message to the industry domestically and internationally that the development of indigenous offshore energy supplies is a priority for Ireland. It comes at a very appropriate time, given the heightened interest in the recent Atlantic Margin Licensing Round and the recent Energy White Paper noting the important contribution of oil and gas to Ireland’s future energy mix and overall energy security, with the potential to deliver significant and sustained benefits.

This is the first commercial gas field in the Atlantic Margin basins west of Ireland. It has already brought significant economic and infrastructural benefits to the local community in Co. Mayo, as well as Irish industry through companies based in Mayo, Donegal, Limerick and elsewhere in the country. It is a milestone in Ireland’s energy security.”