Martin Ferris (Kerry North-West Limerick, Sinn Fein)
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To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has received any information regarding the amount of oil that lies off the County Kerry coast; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53332/12]

Martin Ferris (Kerry North-West Limerick, Sinn Fein)
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To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he knows of any proposed site at which oil would be drilled for off the County Kerry coast; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53333/12]

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 25 and 39 together.

Petroleum exploration authorisations are currently held by a number of companies in respect of areas in the Porcupine Basin off the Kerry coast. Drilling operations have not been carried under any of these authorisations to date, though I understand that plans are in progress for the commencement next year of drilling operations on the Dunquin prospect situated approximately 150km off the Kerry coast.

Until a comprehensive drilling programme has been carried out, the oil or gas potential of the area will remain unproven.