Exploration on Marathon’s licences
Spring asked whether the Government would act on Marathon’s largely unexplored block. Burke said he shared the concern, had met the company to seek an exploration programme and was awaiting its response.
Does the Minister propose to take any action in connection with the vast number of licences held by a large block under Marathon Corporation, which area has not been explored for over 15 years? Does the Minister propose to take any action on that count?
Comment on this
I share the Deputy's concern about the lack of exploration in this block, as this is prime territory for exploration. I have had a number of meetings with Marathon Corporation to discuss their future activities with the intention of securing their agreement to an exploration programme in the area. These discussions are going on. I am awaiting a response from Marathon at this stage and shall inform the House.