Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for facilitating this debate and I welcome the fact the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Rabbitte, is here. A 2006 departmental study estimates that 10 billion barrels of oil and gas equivalent are in Irish waters, worth €800 billion at prices of €80 per barrel. I welcome the recent announcement made by the Minister, Deputy Rabbitte, at the Atlantic 2011 petroleum conference, outlining that 13 new licensing options have been awarded to 12 companies.

We must see a dramatic increase in exploration activities in this country, given the massive potential which exists. The announcement by the Minister at the conference will encourage exploration drilling off our shores, which is an important step in realising our potential. We must advertise the fact that Irish offshore oil exploration offers significant potential, and the Minister's announcement does that.

As we up our game in this country with regard to oil exploration I propose the establishment of an interdepartmental group to examine the potential on offer from Moneypoint pier in the Shannon Estuary in County Clare. There is considerable spare capacity at the pier in Moneypoint and in its environs which could be used as a headquarters for oil exploration teams working off the west coast. It is a deepwater pier with 24-hour access, offering ease of passage to supply ships. It is a bonus that it is already an industrial site.

I ask that an interdepartmental working group be established to compile a report and formulate a plan for a high-tech oil exploration support base at Moneypoint. It should be chaired by the Department of the Taoiseach and include the Departments of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources; Transport, Tourism and Sport; the Environment, Community and Local Government; and Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation. The working group should also include the ESB, Clare County Council and Shannon Development. The development of such a base at Moneypoint would give a significant boost to the Shannon Estuary, unlocking its potential as an industrial base and would have a positive consequence for jobs in County Clare and the mid west. It would be very beneficial.

I request that this interdepartmental group be established without delay and that a report and plan be drawn up. This plan could be used in our efforts as a State to accelerate the discovery of oil in offshore fields.

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