Exploration and Production in Ireland

Shell E&P Ireland Limited (SEPIL) currently has interests in five exploration licences off the coast of Ireland. Three of these licences are Shell-operated exploration licences and Statoil operates two. One other Shell-operated exploration licence (RAL1/05) was relinquished in December 2008.

Three of the exploration licences are located in the Slyne Basin; licence numbers: 3/94, 5/94 and 2/06 (both Statoil operated). The remaining two exploration licences are located in the Rockall Basin: licence numbers 2/94, which contains the Dooish Acreage, and 2/05 which was awarded in the 2005 Rockall Licensing Round.

Licence, 2/05 covers four blocks and is located in the deepwater area (approx. 2000m water depth) of the Irish Rockall Basin, approximately 150 km off the coast of Donegal.
New partners were found for two of the company’s exploration licences in 2008. STX Energy farmed into 25% equity in both 2/94 & 2/05 licences.

The company’s main work focus during 2008 relating to these exploration licences, was drilling the West Dooish prospect at a water depth of 1720m. Following a ten week drilling programme, the well was plugged and permanently abandoned as a dry hole.

• For more information on oil and gas exploration activities, visit the Department for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources website - opens in new window

The Irish Offshore Operators' Association

The Irish Offshore Operators' Association has launched a booklet entitled "Securing our Energy Future - Irish Gas for a better tomorrow (PDF, 5987 KB) - opens in new window" which calls for further exploration for oil and gas off the Irish coast and the development of relilable sources of indigenous energy to ensure the country's energy supply.