asked the Minister for Energy if it is proposed to explore for natural gas in County Donegal.

Exploration for hydrocarbons is carried out under licence from my Department. An exclusive on-shore exploration licence currently in force covers part of Donegal. The licensees have not indicated that they have any plans at this stage to carry out exploration for natural gas within the licensed area in County Donegal.

My Department have not received any application for any other exclusive on-shore hydrocarbon exploration licence in respect of any part of the remaining unlicensed areas of County Donegal.

Has the Minister in his brief information on the part of Donegal which is covered? If not, would he let me have that information when convenient?

Approximately 478 square miles of County Donegal are included, which are the baronies of Banna and Tirhugh in the Bundoran-Ballyshannon area.