Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
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Question 381: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide details of new exploration licences recently granted or to be granted over the next number of months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30674/10]

Conor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Since the start of this year I have awarded two petroleum exploration authorisations, both to Providence Resources Ltd. The first was for a two year Licensing Option in respect of acreage in the Celtic Sea and the second was for a non-exclusive Petroleum Prospecting Licence. My Department is currently examining the five applications received under the Onshore Petroleum Licensing Competition over the Northwest Carboniferous Basin and the Clare Basin, which closed last month. I will announce the outcome of that competition in due course.