Update: Exploration Licences, 24th June 2015

*  To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of oil, gas or other exploration licences issued over the past ten years, have not been activated to date; the reason for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. – Bernard J. Durkan.

(1305  Received on 11th June, 2015.)

REPLY

Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Joe McHugh)
When an exploration licence is granted by my Department it is active. The licence is granted subject to an agreed work programme, the progress of which is monitored by my Department.
Therefore, there have been no exploration licences granted in the past ten years that have not been activated.