Interest strong for Ireland's Rockall Trough licensing

Ireland's Department of Transport, Energy & Communications reported that nine groups of companies have submitted a total 14 applications to explore 58 blocks and partial blocks off Ireland.

The blocks are in the frontier Rockall Trough area off western Ireland, to the south of license areas just awarded by the U.K. government (see related story, this page).

Emmett Stagg, minister of state at the department, said, "Seventeen different exploration companies are involved in the bids. I am very encouraged by industry's response to the round, which has surpassed that of previous frontier rounds."

The minister said applicants included companies already holding acreage in the Irish offshore area and some renewing their interest in the region. Licenses are due to be awarded in June.

The Irish government also disclosed that acreage south of the Porcupine basin off western Ireland and close to Seven Heads discovery off Southwest Ireland would be closed to licensing until further notice.