Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 227: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position in relation to mining or other exploration in respect of oil, gas or other minerals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20361/05]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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There are currently nine petroleum exploration licences awarded to petroleum exploration companies; one reserved area licence, 21 licensing options and 11 petroleum prospecting licences. The licences are additional to the Kinsale, Seven Heads and Corrib petroleum leases. A licensing round in the north-east Rockall Basin closed on 31 May 2005. The results of the round will be available shortly. The next licensing round will be in the Slyne-Erris and Donegal basins with a closing date of 15 March 2006. My Department has not received any applications to drill this year. Due to the increased costs of hiring drilling rigs, it is unlikely than any applications will be made in 2005.

For information on non-petroleum mining and exploration, I refer the Deputy to the six-monthly report I am required to lay before the Oireachtas under the Minerals Development Acts 1940 to 1999. The report for the six months to 31 December 2004 was presented recently. The report contains details of all prospecting licences and State mining leases and licences.