West Cavan gas exploration
The Minister said two 1984 wells found only minor gas indications and the licensees were assessing results; he saw no risk that the survey would delay the Dundalk–Sligo pipeline.
asked the Minister for Energy the up-to-date position regarding gas exploration in west Cavan.
Comment on this
Exploration for gas in west Cavan is being carried out under an exclusive exploration licence, which covers part of the north west carboniferous basin and includes approximately 570 square kilometers in county Cavan. Under the terms of this licence, two exploration wells were drilled in 1984, one at McNean, County Cavan and the other at Drumkeeran, County Leitrim. Only minor indications of gas were encountred in each case.
Apart from assessing the results of their recently completed drilling programme in the area, of which these two wells were a part, the licensees are now undertaking detailed analysis of additional remotely-sensed data to enable them to decide what future exploration work they will propose to carry out. Meanwhile, in accordance with the provisions of their licence, approximately 50 per cent of the original licensed area has been relinquished.
Comment on this
In view of the interest shown by the Economic and Social Committee of the EC to provide a gas pipeline from Dundalk to Sligo, is there any danger that there will be a holdup in that programme because of that survey?