Irish operators seek meeting on government’s offshore proposals

Offshore staff

DUBLIN, Ireland – The Irish Offshore Operators’ Association (IOOA) has responded to clarification from Ireland’s government on its proposals for future offshore exploration.

Although the government announced at the United Nations Climate Action Summit that it plans to discontinue opening Ireland’s waters to exploration at some point, this only applies to future processes and not to concessions awarded under the country’s 2015 Licence Round. 

Existing licenses will therefore remain valid, the IOOA understands. 

The association has written to the Minister responsible for offshore exploration, Sean Canney, seeking a meeting on the implications of the announcement.

IOOA CEO Mandy Johnston added: “The clarification that the announcement in the Taoiseach’s speech does not affect existing licenses is welcome. However, it is important that further clarity is given on how the new government’s proposal for future licensing rounds will be implemented.”

09/25/2019